October 6, 2021
The Egyptian city of Cairo is a unique place, straddling the African and Middle East regions, and invoking the deep history of ancient Egypt. The area is best known for the Giza Pyramids, the ancient city of Memphis, and the Nile Delta. Cairo is also home to one of only two metro systems in Africa, which ranks among the busiest in the world with over a billion annual passenger rides. The need for more and better transportation options is gaining popular support and political momentum, and ITDP is working to make it happen.
Today, greater Cairo is a central economic hub for the region, and the second-largest African city, after Lagos, Nigeria. Cairo is a dense city, and well known for its unrelenting noise and daunting traffic jams. With more than 20 million inhabitants, the city is expected to increase to 24 million by 2027. The lack of mobility options is a serious problem in Greater Cairo, with serious effects on quality of life and the economy. In addition to the time wasted in traffic, the overwhelming number of vehicles on the city’s streets contribute to Cairo’s already poor air quality, and increase the costs of delivering goods and professional services.
In Cairo, ITDP Africa is working in partnership with several partners on a series of new transport projects. These include bike sharing and a network of cycle lanes, bus rapid transit, and a public engagement process focused on building systems and spaces that are accessible and welcoming to women. The implementation of Cairo’s BRT system has significantly improved mobility within the city, particularly for women and caregivers who have reported feeling safer and more able to accomplish tasks due to shorter wait times and expanded schedules.