Introduction
There is an urgent need to develop effective public transport solutions in greater Cairo, home to 18 million inhabitants. Toward this end, the Ministry of Housing, Ministry of Transport, General Organization for Physical Planning, and New Urban Communities Authority are working with the Governorates of Giza and Cairo to plan for an integrated bus rapid transit (BRT) network.
What is BRT?
BRT is a customer-oriented rapid transit system that combines dedicated bus lanes with metro-style stepless boarding and smart card ticketing. BRT is flexible and affordable, and can be built in a span of 2 to 3 years. BRT is key to the transformation of Cairo’s informal paratransit sector into an organised public transport network.
Key features of BRT
For more information, visit BRTstandard.org.
Phase 1 network
The BRT system will be implemented in a phased manner, beginning in Giza, Nasr City, and New Cairo. The estimated cost of the 42 km first phase network is USD 210 million. The system invites private sector participation in bus operations, fare collection, and other elements of system operations. The cost of operations will be covered through fare revenues, helping to avoid the need for ongoing subsidies. Important benefits of the proposed BRT network include:
- Faster journeys and more reliable service
- Safer traffic movement
- Lower emissions of smog-causing pollutants and greenhouse gases.
