Egypt Prepares to Launch Second Phase of Bus Rapid Transit

Egypt's Ministry of Transport is preparing to launch the second phase of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system on Greater Cairo's Ring Road after Transport Minister Kamel El-Wazir confirmed that the new section is fully prepared for operation, marking another milestone in the country's drive to modernize public transportation and promote sustainable urban mobility.

During an extensive inspection tour, El-Wazir reviewed the readiness of stations along the project's second phase, accompanied by senior ministry officials, executives from the General Authority for Roads, Bridges and Land Transport, project consultants, and representatives of construction companies.

The new section stretches 40 kilometers from El-Moshir Tantawy Station, which has already entered service alongside Golf Station, to Sun Capital Station at the intersection of the Ring Road and Fayoum Road. It includes 16 stations and forms part of the broader three-phase BRT project, which will ultimately comprise 48 stations.

The minister began his tour by inspecting ongoing development works surrounding the Cairo–Suez Road BRT station, where new transport facilities are being established, including terminals for SuperJet and East Delta Transport buses, microbus parking areas, and private vehicle parking lots to improve passenger access and connectivity.

He also reviewed the integration of BRT stations with transport hubs located beneath the Ring Road, assessing passenger access through pedestrian bridges and underground crossings, electronic ticketing systems, fare gates, and station waiting areas.

El-Wazir said operating teams have completed preparations to begin service on the second phase in the coming period, aiming to maintain high service standards amid growing passenger demand following the successful rollout of the first phase and the extension of operations to El-Moshir Tantawy and Golf stations.

During the inspection, the minister instructed officials to intensify cleaning operations along the Ring Road around the clock and ensure the immediate removal of waste to preserve public health and improve the corridor's appearance. He also called for continued maintenance of road signs, safety barriers, and landscaping works to enhance safety and the overall passenger experience.

According to El-Wazir, the second phase will significantly improve public transport access for several of Greater Cairo's most densely populated residential and commercial districts, including New Cairo, Maadi, Mokattam, Omraniya, Talbiya, Mariouteya, Mansouriya, and areas surrounding the intersections of Fayoum Road, Oasis Road, and Ain Sokhna Road.

The minister described the BRT system as one of Egypt's flagship green transportation projects, noting that it relies on locally manufactured electric buses designed to provide a fast, safe, and environmentally friendly alternative to private vehicles. The project is expected to ease traffic congestion, reduce fuel consumption, lower emissions, and improve mobility across the capital.

He added that the network will connect several of the Ring Road's most important intersections, including Suez Road, Adly Mansour, El-Marg, and Mostorod, creating a major east-west transportation corridor while providing direct access to Egypt's New Administrative Capital through a modern mass transit system.

A key feature of the project is its integration with Greater Cairo's wider public transportation network. The BRT will connect with Metro Line 1 at El-Zahraa and El-Marg stations, Metro Line 3 at Adly Mansour and Imbaba stations, the Light Rail Transit (LRT) network at Adly Mansour, and the East Nile Monorail at El-Moshir Tantawy Station, enabling seamless transfers between multiple transit modes.

El-Wazir said the BRT project was developed as an alternative to the previously planned fifth Cairo Metro line, emphasizing that the system was designed as a comprehensive transport solution. All stations will feature dedicated parking areas, modern passenger waiting facilities, cafés, and public amenities, providing improved services for commuters and residents living near the corridor.