Like most major cities, Cairo traffic poses a direct and immediate threat and as it grows larger in size and number, our social standards of life and behavior, are dramatically altered by its damaging effects. To mention the least, the overload and additional logistical, health, environmental, economical and other social problems caused by vehicle emissions combined with an already polluted and du
sty environment is posing an immediate danger to our future generations and way of life in Egypt. There is one issue that every resident of Cairo can agree on: Something needs to be done about the traffic! The Egyptian capital is notorious for its congestion, a universal source of frustration that affects everyone across the entire social spectrum. Yet the traffic jams are much more than an annoyance. They have very real and addressable economic, environmental and public health consequences that will continue to affect our social behavior on all levels if left uncontrolled and unplanned for. A recent World Bank report states that, the Cairo Traffic Congestion Study estimated the annual costs of the congestion in Cairo to be up to EGP50 billion, or US$8.0 billion. That represents up to four percent of Egypt’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which is four times the usual estimate of one percent of GDP as the cost of congestion in comparable large cities. Direct costs include the loss of productivity due to sitting in traffic rather than working, the additional fuel consumed by extended travel times and the environmental impact of increased vehicle emissions. There are also indirect costs, such as the effect of the environmental degradation on public health. At least 1,000 Caireens die each year in traffic related accidents, of which more than half are pedestrians, and over 4,000 are injured. These rates are far higher than those recorded in most other major cities of the World. Not to mention are problems that include the release of extremely high amounts of deadly carbon-dioxide (emissions) due to the allowance of outdated 40 year model vehicles to roam the streets of Egypt and unmaintained public and private vehicles still permitted to be operated contributing to hundreds of diseases and chronic health problems ranging from cancer to other immune deficiency problems. The number of vehicles on Egypt's roads rose an annual 13.5 per cent in 2010, fueled by enhanced credit facilities from banks, official data showed. Egypt had a total of 5.854 million road vehicles in 2010, up from 5.159 million the year before, according to data from the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS). Cairo saw the largest amount, comprising 31.6 per cent of the total, up from 29 per cent the previous year. North Sinai had the least vehicles -- just 0.3 per cent of the total in both 2009 and 2010. There were 7.4 privately-owned vehicles per 100 people in Egypt last year, up from 6.7 in 2009. Cairo had the high-est rate of vehicle ownership: 20.4 per 100 people compared to 16.9 twelve months before. The CAPMAS report partially attributed the climb to enhanced credit opportunities for those wanting to buy private cars and taxis. An increase in licenses for “Tuk Tuks” -- motorized three-wheeled carts -- also boosted the total. Too many cars, not enough trains and buses (mass transport)
There have been efforts to address the problem, through the expansion of public transportation and the better management of traffic flows, but they have not kept pace with the growth of the population and city. In relation to its large and growing population, Cairo has a very small metro system. It is far smaller than the systems of other major cities, but much more crowded. Though it is half the size of the Washington DC metro, it carries four times more passengers per km of line. There is a similar lack of buses compared to population size. Cars, on the other hand, choke every inch of available road space. The actual rates of car ownership may be low, but the ratio of cars to km of road is one of the highest in the world
The real challenge, however, will be prioritizing objectives, and determining where to invest precious public funds for maximum effect. It will also require political will. While everyone may agree on the need to fix the traffic problem, there will be inevitable disagreements on the remedy. It will require a clear and well structured plan, backed by strong evidence. The World Bank Group has had extensive, global experience helping other major cities develop plans to manage similar problems. The accumulated knowledge and expertise has been put at the disposal of Egyptian authorities, most notably in support of the establishment of the Greater Cairo Urban Transport Authority. The specific challenge the Egyptian capital faces is one the Bank Group knows well. The extensive analysis undertaken in the recent study, by clearly defining the recurring economic, social and environmental costs of congestion, provides a solid justification for significant public investments in a solution. It also puts an irrefutable price on inaction. A complementary study, Greater Cairo: a Proposed Urban Transport Strategy makes recommendations on possible solutions, and outlines the concrete means to achieve them. Congestion does not have to be a fact of life. Cairo could be a more livable city, with adequate public transportation for the many that rely on it, and safer, less congested streets for all. As with any seemingly intractable problem, a commitment to take action is the essential first step, one which the many Bank Groups is are ready to support with the full range of its resources. The notion of finding a safer, faster, cleaner, stress-free and comfortable means of transport across Cairo seems to be a dream come true for many but so far this option has till date not yet fully been explored using the Nile. “Ac-cording to a recent study by the World Bank titled, "Cairo Traffic Congestion" at least 4,000 Caireens are injured and 1,000 die each year in traffic related accidents, of which more than half are pedestrians. Another study claims that the capital's congestion problem costs the country an staggering EGP50 billion (US$8 billion) yearly, which comprises four per cent of Egypt’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This is four times the amount lost by cities of the same size. The figures are determined by calculating the loss of productivity due to citizens sitting in traffic rather than working, the additional fuel consumed due to ex-tended travel times and the environmental impact of increased vehicle emissions. The study also considers indirect costs, such as the effect of the environmental degradation on public health. Traffic experts believe that the Egyptian government needs to develop a coherent vision in attacking the roots of the problem as well as applying solutions developed by other cities with traffic problems.”
How much does it cost me to go to work every day? For the residents of Mid-town Cairo and its surrounding districts including Maadi, Maneal, Tahrir, Zamalek, Agouza, Zaweirass Twin Towers and Giza amongst other zones, most of us do not realize the associated costs of going and coming back from our work places. Below is a good example of the associated costs we actually on average accrue Annually.
1) Cost of Fuel Annually LE 4000,- / 6000,-
2) Vehicle Amortization (Loss in Value) Deduct 10% Annually from total Purchase Value
3) Parking LE 100 / LE 300 per month = Annually LE 1200,- / LE 3,600,-
4) Driver Salary LE 1500, / LE 3000,
5) Medical Invoice (Stress – Health) Average 10% to 25 % from Annual Income
6) Insurance
7) Loss of Time due to Traffic (Please see this link)
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/56444/Egypt/Politics-/Cairos-chronic-traffic-jams-The-price-of-bad-publi.aspx
8) How much STRESS % ……….. ?? Rate yourself with Low (20%), Medium (55%) and High
(90% above)
Estimated daily cost of transport in Cairo
Based on the previously given criteria and the studies that have been conducted it is estimated that on average Caireens owning a car spend between LE 100,- to LE 200,- daily on transportation and that is without them even realizing. These amounts are subject to an obvious increase depending on type of vehicle (Luxury models using 95 Octane – A Driver or Chauffeur (Salaries average between LE 1500 – LE 3000) – Traffic tickets – Maintenance & Up-keep – Insurance, etc. Hence it is safe to say that the budget for owning a vehicle and driving it to work and back would cost between LE 6,000,- to LE 20,000,- annually and still punctuality and productivity levels would remain unattained due to heavy and bad traffic, elevated levels of stress, fatigue and high blood pressure that would add further insult to injury already measured. Suggested pricing for using the Cairo Nile Shuttle. Based on the given financial models (please see attached financials), it is suggested that the cost of using Cairo Nile Shuttle would not exceed LE 31.00 / LE 59.00 round fare / daily payable via on-line and off-line methods in daily, weekly or monthly payment plans and subscriptions. In addition payment methods are being negotiated with several mobile carriers and payment firms to facilitate and ease payment form for future clients. Additionally, Corporate subscription plans are available for companies, banks, embassies and governmental employees and management including a special “Student Plan” at discounted rates. A complete costing and price fare plan will be made available as per request. The Cairo Nile Shuttle Route
The suggest operation time for the Cairo Nile Shuttle will be Saturday – Thursday 6:30 AM to 11:30 Am and 16:00 PM to 21:30 PM daily with Friday's left for Excursions. In between hours are suggested to be made available for walk-in’s or by reservations. Further suggestions and details will be made available with the projects logistics department in due time.
