The Egyptian Transport Ministry issued an urgent appeal to drivers regarding the BRT project on the Ring Road, following an increase in attempts by drivers to encroach on its designated lanes.
The Transport Ministry urged citizens not to use the left lane designated for BRT in either direction, RT reported on Saturday.
It emphasized that this encroachment threatens the efficiency and sustainability of the system, increases the risk of accidents resulting from vehicle overlap, and disrupts traffic discipline on the Ring Road.
The BRT system on the Ring Road around Greater Cairo is facing a dispute with private vehicles encroaching on the lane designated for the modern mass transit system.
In an official statement, the ministry announced its cooperation with the General Traffic Department of the Interior Ministry to issue and enforces a deterrent traffic violation against any vehicles using the BRT lane.
Transport Ministry threatens harsh penalties
The Transport Ministry affirmed its confidence in citizens remaining awareness of and adhering to all safety and security instructions, both in order to protect lives and to support the success of this ambitious project.
Its warning comes amid the circulation of videos on social media showing private vehicles driving in BRT designated lanes, sparking criticisms from bus users and prompting authorities to take decisive action.
The transportation authorities have isolated the shuttle bus lane using plastic bollards and light reflectors to alert drivers.
However, some drivers continue to use them, thereby endangering the safety of passengers and vehicles.
Media reports revealed that the General Traffic Department, in cooperation with Transport Ministry, has begun using traffic surveillance cameras on the Ring Road to monitor violations.
The Director of the Ring Road Development Project, Mahmoud al-Sheikh, stated that penalties have not yet been implemented, pending official approval from the Cabinet, and coordination is underway to implement deterrent fines this month.
BRT project overview
The BRT project is one of the most prominent green electric mass transit projects in Egypt, aiming to reduce traffic congestion and improve mobility in Greater Cairo.
The project extends 113 kilometers along the Ring Road and includes 48 stations – 13 elevated stations, 26 underground stations, and eight non-standard stations, covering key areas.
Trial operations of the first phase, which extends from the intersection of the Ring Road with Alexandria Agricultural Road to the Police Academy station, a length of 35 kilometers, began on June 1, amid intensive efforts to develop infrastructure in line with the state’s strategy for transitioning to sustainable transportation.
