This assignment was to conduct a feasibility study of a tramway system in Nicosia (“the Project”). The study indicated the shape that this ambitious urban transport scheme will take, and formulated the framework for the implementation of the project (the procurement of which may well include private sector involvement).
The objectives of the Project have been to:
- Increase the attractiveness of public transport through improved accessibility in Nicosia;
- Increase economic activity within the framework of a sustainable and efficient urban development model;
- Enhance mobility for the general public, by providing alternatives to the private car and increasing travel choice;
- Reduce traffic congestion and increase the capacity of the public transport system;
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve local air quality;
- Improve transport safety.
Content of the study
A variety of tasks were covered and the final report included the following:
- A review of existing demand analysis, including transport forecast models and surveys of existing studies;
- Development of a multi-criteria analysis model that was used to evaluate network options and support the selection of the preferred routes;
- Examination of the different types of systems of trams and their corresponding costs, explaining also the advantages and disadvantages of each system;
- Preparation of a preliminary design study to the extent that is necessary for the purposes of a feasibility study;
- Preparation of a Cost/Benefit Study on the final preliminary design, taking into account the cost of park and ride facilities and revenues from ticket sales and from any other services that an operator could sell. Savings in time and GHG emissions have also been taken into account;
- An Environmental Assessment of the project.
The contracting authority was the Ministry of Trasport, Communications and Works of the Republic of Cyprus.
