A storm in a teacup

Students and parents’ associations are up in arms about having to pay bus fares in Cyprus, the CM reports.

Poor diddums. 

Up until yesterday, local buses, for which the standard full fare is a whopping 1 euro per journey, were totally free for all kids with student ID cards.  The changes were introduced by the previous government (Comrade Dmitry Cristovitch) but not brought into effect until now. 

The new student bus pass costing – shock! – a whole 15 euro per month is valid on designated school routes, while families on state benefits and primary school pupils are exempt.  Students on non-designated routes can get an unlimited monthly pass for 20 euro. 

In protest against this exorbitant “Troika-inspired levy”, secondary school students nationwide are being encouraged to bunk off one classroom period this Thursday, according to the Pupils’ Coordinating Committee (PSEM). 

So that they can spend their bus money in McDonald's and TGI Friday’s instead.  Teachers willl get a nice break too (paid).  The kids still have to get school (by bus) in order to protest...

The Green Vegetable Party argues that the new legislation discourages the use of public buses - wrong, they say, because “many long-term studies” have proven that the systematic use of public transport by students “enhances their social skills and collective outlook”. 

As exemplified by adult Cypriots with 4 cars per household.  Also known for their multi-cultural social awareness, non-xenophobic world views, and strong altruistic concern for the collective.  Especially for bus drivers in Cyprus who work long hours for chickenfeed in a mindless job in horrendous traffic conditions, but still have their wages withheld, as in recent strike actions. 

These narrow-minded, freeloading parents and meddling student bodies have yet to wake up and smell the coffee:  that the good ole days of Cyprus are over with Rover.  This government needs revenue.  No pay?  No public transport.  Take your pick. 

School kids in Cyprus are in term 8 months per year.  120-160 euro annually per kid is hardly an onerous expense.  Would they rather shell out for petrol?  Excuse the pun. 

While these navel-gazing parents are stamping their feet and boohooing in La La Land, there will be a lot more to cry about when the telecom authority CYTA, the electricity board AIK and the Ports Authorities are privatised, as Mr. Resurrection and his cronies plan.  Let’s see how it goes down when utility bills and airline tickets shoot through the roof, and private company vultures swoop in for the spoils.  

Lord God, giver of bread, we bless You for Your heavenly kindness.  There can be no famine while the bread of Heaven endures, and help us to remember that when we are forgetful of Your infinite kindness.  How blessed it is to know that we shall not want forever, as You will not allow Your children to go without bread.  However long the day and hard the work, we have the rest and bounty and the bread.  Happy and grateful are we!  We have You who plans our daily feast for us.  As we eat of the bread of Heaven we shall continue to prosper on earth.  Kind Lord, feed me until I shall want no more.  Through Christ Our Lord.  Amen.