IN a significant step to ease traffic movement on the 26 of July axis and Ring Road, a comprehensive project upgrading the public transport system is about to be launched, with the introduction of air-conditioned double-decker buses between 6th October City and Cairo, Helwan and Giza governorates. The project, undertaken by an Egyptian stock company, aims at convincing the inhabitants of 6th October to depend less on their private cars when commuting. The Minister of Transport, who gave the project the go-ahead, noted that total investments were estimated to reach LE100 million and the first stage would be launched in January 2011. The luxurious bus, that accommodates up to 72 passengers would lessen traffic congestion, particularly if introduced in high numbers to allow efficient operation at regular intervals. But the buses won't stop the need for further connections and improvements. Like all other new settlements, 6th October City was intended to solve the capital's overpopulation. However, poor means of transport and limited roads to Cairo turned these new cities into deserted communities for several decades. This changed dramatically when huge industrial complexes, schools and luxury residential compounds were created. The 6th October City became a very attractive place to live and work. It is quite noticeable that the majority of its inhabitants are rich and upper-middle class citizens who own private cars. Therefore, convincing them to abandon their cars for public transport can only succeed if transport is adequate and attractive, as should be the case with the new air-conditioned buses. Real progress would occur if this project were combined with a metro extension along with a train line linking the city's various suburbs.
