Egypt Raises Public Transport Fares following Fuel Price Hike

In response to recent fuel price increases, Cairo authorities have officially raised public and mass transportation fares, with increments reaching up to 3 Egyptian pounds (EGP). The move affects various modes of transportation across the capital, from public buses to private minibuses.

The fare for regular public buses operated by the Cairo Transport Authority has increased by 2 EGP, now costing 12 EGP instead of 10. Meanwhile, fares for air-conditioned buses have gone up by 3 EGP, reaching 23 EGP, a substantial rise that reflects the ongoing pressure from rising fuel and operational costs.

For private sector-operated minibuses, the increases are similarly steep. Fares for standard minibuses have risen from 16 to 18 EGP, while air-conditioned minibus fares now stand at 22 EGP, up from 19, marking a 3 EGP hike.

These fare adjustments follow the government’s recent decision to raise gasoline prices across the country, a move that has had a direct ripple effect on transportation costs.

Additionally, the base fare for taxi meters in Cairo has increased to 13.5 EGP, with expectations of further fare recalibrations in line with the broader rise in fuel prices.

Across the board, transportation fares in Cairo have jumped by an estimated 15%, sparking concern among daily commuters already burdened by the rising cost of living. Social media users and public figures have voiced mixed reactions, some acknowledging the economic necessity, while others criticize the impact on lower-income residents.

As inflation continues to pressure household budgets, transport fare hikes are likely to remain a contentious issue, especially for Egypt's working-class population that heavily relies on public and semi-public transportation for daily commuting.