He stated that his visit focusses on monitoring the readiness of the BRT project's first phase. He underscored the BRT's importance as a modern and environmentally friendly mass transit solution that the state aims to implement widely. This initiative, he noted, will improve citizen mobility and traffic management on the Ring Road, in line with President El-Sisi's instructions to develop sustainable and green public transport.
He added that this project had been a long-held ambition
within Greater Cairo's transportation plan, encompassing three governorates. The
initiative involves operating electric Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) along the entire
Ring Road, a distance exceeding 105 kilometers, with numerous stations. This
network aims to serve all key residential and commercial areas along the Ring
Road, facilitating travel to and from any point within Cairo. The BRT's design
includes designated minibus and taxi stands at each station, accessible from
all Cairo neighborhoods, enabling seamless transfers. Crucially, the BRT system
integrates with several metro stations and major transportation hubs like Adly
Mansour station and regional bus terminals connecting Greater Cairo with other
governorates.
He continued, stating that this highly efficient mass
transit system is widely implemented globally, noting its prevalence in South
American public transport. He expressed hope for its imminent launch,
highlighting that Saturday's tour covered the completed and operational
stations from the Ring Road/Alexandria Agricultural Road intersection to the
Police Academy station. The second phase, extending from the Police Academy
station to the Cairo-Fayoum Road and the Grand Egyptian Museum, is expected to
be operational by next July, completing over three-quarters of the Ring Road.
The final section, from the Grand Egyptian Museum to the Cairo-Alexandria
Agricultural Road, will be finished as soon as possible.
Prime Minister stated that this BRT project promises a significant urban transformation in Greater Cairo, featuring clean, eco-friendly electric buses designed for swift and cost-effective commuting. These high-standard, air-conditioned buses will offer a superior travel experience. He further noted that this initiative, alongside other long-planned projects (some for over 25 years), has been brought to life by the President's strong political will and commitment to serving Egyptian citizens. This determination has enabled progress towards the project's completion and anticipated launch in the coming months.
Lieutenant General Kamel Al-Wazir announced that the larger
second phase of the BRT project, forming the southern arc of the Ring Road
through areas like New Cairo, Maadi, and Giza to Fayoum Road, is slated to
begin operations before the Grand Egyptian Museum's July 3rd opening. This
phase will include additional stations on Wahat Road near the Zewail Bridge and
will terminate at the museum. El-Wazir stated that 75% of stations and surface
roads are complete, with stations strategically located at intersections to
serve commuters from the Ring Road, governorates, and busy internal routes like
El-Marg and El-Salam.
Al-Wazir highlighted that the electric BRT, along with the upcoming Cairo Metro Line 5, will establish a comprehensive, green, and fully electric public transport network connecting all of Cairo and linking it to external routes serving all Egyptian governorates, enabling access from anywhere in Egypt to the New Administrative Capital via the existing public transport system.