Egypt's Minister of Transport, Major General Kamel Al-Wazir, along with key governmental figures, is closely monitoring the progress of the first phase of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system in Greater Cairo. Their visit included a thorough inspection of 14 out of the planned 48 stations, reflecting a dedicated effort to enhance public transport infrastructure.
The BRT system, designed to alleviate congestion on the ring road, aims to link various transport modalities, allowing passengers to interconnect easily through pedestrian bridges or underpasses. Al-Wazir emphasized the significance of streamlining traffic to facilitate smoother transitions from the Adly Mansour station to the central operational hub, thus improving access for commuters across the metropolitan area.
With the deployment of 100 electric buses, each capable of hosting 66 passengers and offering a combined transport capacity of 3200 passengers per hour, the project illustrates a strong commitment to environmentally friendly public transport. These buses are locally manufactured, adhering to President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi's directive to localize bus production, thereby reducing reliance on imported vehicles.
"This project represents a modern, environmentally friendly model of transport that the state aims to implement universally," said Al-Wazir. He noted that the buses would travel routes in just three minutes, accommodating 20 buses an hour, with peak times potentially reducing travel time to as little as one and a half minutes.
The BRT is not just a transport initiative, but also a key element in the broader plan to improve urban mobility and alleviate street congestion. The project seeks to minimize the number of microbuses on the ring road, introducing designated parking lots for these vehicles near the bus stations.
Furthermore, the initiative is designed to reduce the environmental footprint of public transport. "All buses that will operate on this system are electric and environmentally friendly," Al-Wazir confirmed. With its emphasis on sustainability, the BRT system is projected to decrease emissions that contribute to air pollution.
During the visit, they also reviewed phase two of the project, which encompasses an additional 21 stations stretching from Al-Mushir Tantawi to Mufraq Al-Fayoum, including stations on the Mariouteya axis, such as the Grand Egyptian Museum.
Al-Wazir set a completion deadline for these additional sites, insisting timeliness is crucial for launch before significant events in the region. "We must complete all second phase stations by May 30," he directed, highlighting the importance of the timeline.
Moreover, they evaluated the development of the ring road surrounding Greater Cairo, which is undergoing its own significant revision. Al-Wazir announced plans for an entirely new surface road that will function alongside the existing structure, allowing for eight lanes in each direction.
"This development is vital for efficient transportation across the metropolitan area," he said. Both the BRT and the ring road projects are aligned with a broader objective of improving connectivity within the urban environment.
Al-Wazir's team also inspected the first phase of the fourth metro line, which is crucial in connecting various districts within the city. This line will eventually span over 51 kilometers and incorporate 38 stations, thereby significantly enhancing public transport options in the area.
As ground is broken for further metro stations near the Grand Egyptian Museum, the completion rates are promising, with over half of the surrounding restoration works already concluded. The ambitious aim is to have these stations operational by the opening date of the Grand Egyptian Museum on July 3.
Overall, the integration of the BRT system, the upgraded ring road, and the expanded metro lines represents Egypt's commitment to enhancing urban infrastructure. The goal is to foster an efficient, eco-friendly transport system that meets the needs of a rapidly growing population.
These developments signal a transformative period for Cairo, redefining mobility and transportation access and highlighting the government's ongoing efforts to foster sustainable urban development.
