Transport Minister Inspects Final Preparations for Second Phase of 40km Bus Rapid Transit Project with 16 New Stations

The Minister of Transport, Kamel El Wazir, accompanied by senior ministry officials, leadership from the General Authority for Roads and Bridges, executing company heads, and project consultants, conducted a comprehensive inspection tour. The objective was to evaluate the operational readiness of the second phase stations of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project. This field visit underscores the continuous commitment to maintaining the highest standards of quality and execution speed, as this pivotal segment extends from the Al-Mushir Tantawy station, which previously entered service alongside the Golf station, to the Sun Capital station situated at the intersection of the Ring Road and Fayoum Road.

Second Phase Details and Infrastructure Development

This newly inspected phase spans a total distance of 40 kilometers and features 16 newly constructed, modern stations equipped with advanced service and traffic management technologies. This substantial addition is a critical step toward completing the broader infrastructure vision, contributing to the grand total of 48 stations planned across the three comprehensive phases of this major urban mobility initiative. The strategic expansion aims to connect vital traffic corridors and alleviate increasing traffic densities in New Cairo and Greater Cairo, enhancing public transport network efficiency and providing sustainable commuting alternatives.

The minister initiated his inspection by reviewing the developmental works surrounding the Cairo-Suez Road, specifically tailored to support the BRT network. This includes the construction of integrated parking terminals for Superjet, East Delta for Transport and Tourism, and microbus services. Complemented by dedicated parking lots for private vehicles attached to the rapid transit stations, these facilities are designed to seamlessly serve daily commuters and streamline the transition between different modes of transportation.

Traffic Integration Systems and Operational Readiness

Throughout the tour, the minister closely monitored the integration mechanisms between the new stations and the parking facilities located beneath the Ring Road. These hubs are strategically positioned to manage and serve the heavy traffic flow of vehicles arriving at and departing from the Ring Road. The inspection also covered the evaluation of passenger accessibility via pedestrian overpasses and underpasses, the efficiency of electronic ticketing systems, automated security gates, and the overall comfort of passenger waiting areas within the station premises.

The Minister of Transport affirmed the high level of preparedness demonstrated by the operational teams, confirming their complete readiness to commence services for the second phase in the near future. This proactive approach is designed to maintain the highest standards of service quality, particularly in response to the growing public reliance on the BRT system. This increasing demand follows the remarkable operational success of the first phase, which currently extends its services effectively to the Al-Mushir Tantawy and Golf stations.

Safety Standards and Impact on Residential Zones

To ensure sustained operational excellence, the minister issued strict directives for continuous, around-the-clock cleaning operations along the Ring Road, mandating the immediate removal of any debris to uphold public health and the aesthetic standards of the city. He further emphasized the critical importance of maintaining clear guiding and warning traffic signs, alongside concrete New Jersey barriers, to maximize road safety and security. Additionally, he ordered the expansion of landscaping and greenery initiatives along the entire route to improve the urban environment.

Underscoring the strategic value of this second phase, the minister highlighted its role in delivering direct and efficient transportation services to densely populated residential and commercial districts. The route directly benefits areas such as New Cairo via the Al-Mushir Tantawy and Golf stations, Maadi (Carrefour Maadi), Mokattam, Omraneya, Talbiya, Maryoutiya, and Mansouria. Moreover, the project significantly optimizes traffic flow at the critical intersections of Fayoum Road with both the Wahat Road and the Ain Sokhna Road, representing a major leap forward in sustainable urban mobility and congestion relief for the greater Cairo region.