The Cairo Metro (Arabic: المترو القاهري) is a rapid transit system serving Cairo, the capital city of Egypt, and its surrounding metropolitan area. Operated by the National Authority for Tunnels (NAT), it is the first and only metro system in the Arab world and North Africa.
History
Planning for a metro system in Cairo began in the 1960s, with feasibility studies conducted by French and Japanese consultants. Construction of the first line started in 1977, and the initial segment, known as Line 1, commenced operations on 19 October 1987. Subsequent lines were added in response to the city's rapid population growth and increasing traffic congestion.
Network
| Line | Opening Year | Length (km) | Number of Stations | Route Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Line 1 (El-Malek El‑Saeed) | 1987 | 44.3 | 35 | Runs north‑south from Helwan in the south to El‑Maadi and then to El‑Mokattam in the north. |
| Line 2 (Al‑Tahrir) | 1996 | 22.4 | 20 | Connects Shubra El‑Kheima in the north to El‑Matareyya in the south, passing through central Cairo and Tahrir Square. |
| Line 3 (Al‑Mansoura) | 2012 (partial) | 42.0 (planned) | 27 (planned) | Currently operates between Attaba and Kit‑Kat on a phased basis, extending east‑west across the city. |
Rolling Stock
The Cairo Metro utilizes a mixture of locally assembled and imported electric multiple units (EMUs). Early stock on Line 1 consisted of French‑made Alstom Metropolis cars, while later acquisitions include Japanese‑manufactured trains for Line 2 and Chinese‑built units for Line 3. All trains operate on a standard gauge of 1,435 mm and draw power from a 750 V DC third‑rail system.
Ridership
The system carries a substantial share of daily commuters in Cairo. Reported average weekday ridership has exceeded 3 million passengers on combined lines in recent years, making the Cairo Metro one of the busiest metro networks in Africa. Ridership figures fluctuate seasonally and are influenced by factors such as fuel prices, service reliability, and urban development patterns.
Fare Structure
Cairo Metro fares are distance‑based and payable via rechargeable smart cards (the “NAT Card”) or contactless bank cards. As of the latest tariff schedule, a single journey costs between EGP 5 and EGP 10 (approximately USD 0.30–0.60), with discounted rates for students, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities.
Future Expansion
The NAT has outlined multiple expansion projects:
- Completion of the remaining sections of Line 3, extending the line to the New Administrative Capital and the Cairo International Airport.
- Construction of Line 4, a north‑south line linking the New Administrative Capital to Giza, projected to be approximately 30 km in length.
- Development of a Line 5, intended to serve the eastern suburbs and improve connectivity to the Suez Canal region.
These projects aim to increase the total network length to over 200 km and raise annual ridership to more than 1 billion passengers upon full completion.
Operations and Management
The National Authority for Tunnels (NAT) oversees all aspects of the Cairo Metro, including infrastructure maintenance, train operations, and fare collection. Safety and security are managed by a dedicated Metro Police unit, which conducts regular patrols and emergency response drills. The system adheres to international standards for fire safety, signaling, and passenger information systems.
Significance
The Cairo Metro plays a critical role in alleviating road traffic congestion, reducing air pollution, and supporting the economic activity of Egypt’s largest urban agglomeration. It also serves as a model for rapid transit development in the broader Middle Eastern and African regions.
