Egypt

Greater Cairo is a dense metropolis known for its daunting traffic jams. With more than 19 million inhabitants, the city is host to more than one-fifth of Egypt’s population and is further expected to increase to 24 million by 2027. The area is also an important contributor to the Egyptian economy in terms of GDP and jobs. Traffic congestion is a serious problem in Greater Cairo, with serious adverse effects on quality of life and the economy. In addition to the time wasted in traffic, congestion results in unnecessary fuel consumption, contributes to Cairo’s poor air quality, increases the costs of transport for business, making Greater Cairo a less attractive location for business and industry.

With support from UN-Habitat, ITDP visited Cairo in May 2015 to carry out a pre-feasibility study for a BRT system for Greater Cairo. ITDP conducted a series of surveys and focus groups with commuters in the city and prepared a feasibility study for BRT, focusing on a first-phase corridor connecting the desert community of 6th of October City with central Giza. As part of the BRT study, we conducted a series of surveys and focus groups with commuters to develop a better understanding of the challenges faced by women while using the Cairo transport system. The results of the survey and analysis will inform the BRT planning process, ensuring the inclusion of data-driven gender concerns in the service plan and infrastructure designs.

Bicycle sharing has the potential to improve accessibility in central Cairo by extending the reach of the metro and bus systems. The Cairo Governorate, in partnership with the UN-Habitat, the Drosos Foundation and ITDP, is planning a public bicycle sharing system in central Cairo, along with a network of protected bike lanes. The bicycle-sharing system is set for implementation in 2021.