Cairo Adds Digital Payments to 1,800 Buses This Year

Millions of Cairo commuters are getting a major upgrade as the city rolls out digital fare payments across its entire bus fleet.

The Cairo Public Transport Authority has started implementing an electronic payment system that replaces cash with prepaid cards and mobile app payments. Authority head Essam al-Sheikh announced the rollout will happen in three phases throughout 2025, eventually covering all 1,800 buses in the network.

The first phase launched with 300 buses already accepting digital payments. Another 1,000 buses will join the system in February, with the final 500 buses coming online later this year.

The smart system does more than just eliminate fumbling for exact change. It calculates fares based on exactly how many stops passengers travel, making pricing fairer for short trips. If riders get off before their final destination, the system automatically refunds the unused portion to their card.

Passengers can load money onto cards at sales outlets throughout the city or top up directly through a mobile app. The digital system makes it easier for the authority to track revenue and improve service efficiency while reducing the hassles of cash handling for drivers and passengers alike.

The Ripple Effect

This modernization connects to Egypt's broader push for digital transformation and financial inclusion. By bringing cashless payments to public transit, Cairo is making digital finance accessible to everyday commuters who might not use it elsewhere.

The authority knows change takes time, especially for elderly passengers unfamiliar with digital systems. They've prepared explanatory videos for social media and sales outlets to help everyone learn the new technology. Supervisors will be stationed on buses during the transition to assist riders and ensure compliance.

Fares remain exactly the same under the new system, following rates set by Cairo Governorate. The upgrade focuses purely on convenience and efficiency, not increasing costs for riders who depend on affordable public transportation.

For a city where millions rely on buses daily, this shift represents a meaningful step toward modernizing urban life while keeping services accessible to all income levels.