Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Egypt’s Transport Ministry has introduced a structured pricing system for the East Nile Monorail as the first operational phase begins service between Al-Mashir Tantawy Station and the City of Justice station in the New Administrative Capital, marking a new step in the country’s push toward modern mass transit. The announcement outlines a distance-based fare model alongside discounted subscription packages aimed at regular commuters, particularly government employees traveling to the capital’s administrative district. Officials said the pricing strategy is designed to reduce travel costs by up to 50% compared to alternative transport options while encouraging long-term reliance on the monorail as a primary commuting route between East Cairo and the New Capital.
The new system divides the monorail line into four pricing zones based on the number of stations traveled, creating a step-by-step fare structure that increases with distance. Short trips of up to five stations are priced at 20 pounds, while journeys extending to ten stations rise to 40 pounds. Trips covering up to 15 stations cost 55 pounds, and full-line travel across all 22 stations is set at 80 pounds. The model reflects a shift toward usage-based pricing, linking cost more directly to travel distance rather than flat rates.
In parallel, the ministry confirmed a 50% discount for senior citizens over 60 and persons with disabilities. Under the reduced structure, fares begin at 10 pounds for short trips and reach 40 pounds for full-line travel. Officials described the measure as part of broader social support policies embedded within the national transport modernization plan, aimed at ensuring wider access to new infrastructure.
To support daily commuters, especially workers traveling regularly to the New Administrative Capital, the ministry also launched weekly, monthly, and quarterly subscription packages offering significant savings compared to single-ticket purchases. Weekly passes include 14 trips over 14 days, while monthly and quarterly options extend to 60 and 180 trips respectively, with validity periods designed to match commuter usage patterns and reduce overall transport costs for frequent travelers.
The first phase of operation primarily serves employees commuting to the New Administrative Capital, with the current route covering 14 stations between Al-Mashir Tantawy and the Government District. As a result, most journeys during this phase fall within the mid-range fare categories, simplifying daily commuting costs for early users of the system.
The East Nile Monorail is part of Egypt’s broader strategy to expand high-capacity electric transport systems and reduce pressure on road networks across Greater Cairo. By linking new urban developments with established districts, the project is positioned as a key component in reshaping commuting patterns and supporting the long-term growth of the New Administrative Capital, with authorities expected to closely monitor ridership as operations expand.
