Egypt launches public operations for 2nd phase of BRT project

The Egyptian Transport Ministry announced the launch of public operations for the second phase of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project, effective Saturday, September 26, covering the route from the Ain Sokhna Road station to the Sun Capital station. This extends the BRT network from the intersection of the Ring Road and the Alexandria Agricultural Road to the Sun Capital station, establishing it as a key component of the modern mass transit system serving Greater Cairo. Professor of road and port engineering, Abdullah Abu-Khadra, said during a phone interview with the Sada el Balad channel, that ticket prices have been set competitively: five Egyptian pounds for trips spanning between one and four stations, rising to LE35 for journeys covering 27-30 stations. He added that the full journey across both phases spans approximately 75 kilometers, offering citizens an air-conditioned transport service with regular trips and fixed schedules, running from the Ring Road–Alexandria Agricultural Road intersection to the Sun Capital station. Phase II Comprises 16 Stations The second phase of BRT project spans approximately 40 kilometers and includes 16 stations; the total length of the system, once both phases are operational, will reach around 75 kilometers. This new phase serves several vital areas and corridors across Greater Cairo—including Ain Sokhna Road, Maadi, Mokattam, al-Jazair, al-Imamain, al-Zahraa, al-Bahr al-A’zam, Omraniya, Talbiya, and Maryoutiya, extending to the Sun Capital area—with stations entering service successively in the coming period. Abdullah Abu-Khadra, professor of road and port engineering, emphasized that the project represents a significant advancement in Greater Cairo’s mass transit system. As a modern, organized, electric-powered mode of transport, the BRT system contributes to alleviating traffic congestion and reducing haphazard traffic movements on the Ring Road, Abu-Khadra said. Integrated Transport System The Sun Capital station is a key component of the integrated transport system. Situated at the intersection of the Ring Road and Fayoum Road and spanning an area of ​​80,000 square meters, it facilitates the provision of comprehensive transport services for commuters traveling along the Fayoum Desert Road and the surrounding areas. Abu-Khadra noted that the BRT system relies on interchange points that connect it with other modes of transport, enabling passengers to switch between different transport options during a single journey. Prominent example of this integration is the Adly Mansour Station, which connects to Metro Line III and the Light Rail Transit (LRT), alongside other interchange points linking the BRT to various other modes of transportation. Bridges, Tunnels, and Elevators Passengers access and exit BRT stations via pedestrian bridges, tunnels, and elevators, ensuring safe and secure movement between the stations. These measures are part of a plan to regulate traffic flow on the Ring Road, which includes prohibiting direct pedestrian crossings and eliminating informal microbus stops along the route, replacing them with a more organized transport system. Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm