Alexandria's Iconic Tram Returns With Triple Capacity

Alexandria's cherished tram isn't disappearing—it's getting a complete makeover that will serve 13,800 passengers per hour instead of just 4,700.

The Egyptian government squashed rumors about permanently removing the iconic Ramleh Tram, confirming instead that the historic line is undergoing comprehensive rehabilitation. Years of aging infrastructure had driven riders away and worsened the coastal city's notorious traffic jams.

The transformation promises to revolutionize how Alexandrians move through their city. Trips that once dragged on for 60 minutes will now take just 35 minutes, shaving nearly half an hour off daily commutes.

Wait times tell an even better story. Passengers currently cooling their heels for 9 minutes between trams will soon see one arrive every 3 minutes, matching the frequency of major metro systems worldwide.

The Ministry of Transport designed the upgraded tram as the centerpiece of Alexandria's Green Sustainable Transport strategy. The modernized line will connect seamlessly with the Alexandria Metro at Victoria and Sidi Gaber stations, creating an integrated network that makes car-free living genuinely practical.

Officials didn't leave commuters stranded during construction. The Ministry deployed 153 buses and microbuses along the Corniche and Abu Qir routes, maintaining service every 3 to 5 minutes to match what riders expected from the tram.

The Ripple Effect

This project shows how cities can honor their history while building for the future. Alexandria's tram, which first rolled down these streets over a century ago, will now help reduce the carbon emissions and traffic that plague growing cities across the developing world.

The rehabilitation proves that sustainable transportation doesn't require abandoning beloved institutions. When the upgraded trams start running, they'll carry three times as many people to their destinations in half the time, all while preserving a piece of Alexandria's soul.

Millions of residents will soon commute faster, cheaper, and cleaner than ever before.