Egypt’s Minister of Transport Kamel Alwajir conducted an inspection tour of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project. The tour focused on the final touches and operational readiness of the second phase, which stretches 40 kilometers from Hermosir Tantawi station to San Capital station at the intersection of Ring Road and Fayoum Road, covering 16 of the project’s total 48 stations.
Al-Wazir emphasized that the BRT project was implemented as a cost-effective alternative to the previously planned 5th metro line. The fifth metro line is designed to run 24 kilometers from Al-Wafa wal-Amal in Nasr City to the coast with 17 metro stations, with an estimated cost of $6 billion at current market prices.
In contrast, a 110 km BRT project with fully above-ground and modern electric buses is expected to cost less than $1 billion and save approximately $5 billion.
BRT stations are designed with integrated waiting areas, bus terminals, and commercial zones to serve nearby residents and passengers.
During the visit, the minister reviewed the station’s layout, the pedestrian bridge and tunnel that connects the car park under the ring road, the ticketing system and the electronic entry gate.
Mr. Alwajir emphasized the importance of the second phase, especially considering the high public use of the first phase, which runs from the ring road and the Alexandria Agricultural Crossroads to the Police Academy Station.
The project succeeded in reducing travel times and improving traffic flow by separating dedicated BRT lanes from other lanes on the ring road.
The BRT system connects major intersections on the ring road, including Suez, Adly Mansour, El Marg and Mostrod, connecting east and west Cairo and extending into the new capital.
It is integrated with other public transport systems, including Metro Line 1 at Al Zarah and El Marg stations, Metro Line 3 at Adly Mansour and Imbaba stations, and LRT at Adly Mansour station, providing a fast, clean and efficient alternative to private cars while supporting environmental and traffic management goals.
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