Imagine hopping on the metro, switching to a monorail, catching a bus, and never once digging for change or standing in ticket lines. Sounds futuristic? It’s closer than ever.
Egypt’s National Authority for Tunnels, led by Dr. Tarek H. Gewaily has announced a major leap toward transforming how Greater Cairo moves: a unified smart payment system that brings all public transport under one digital roof. It’s not just a card—it’s a whole new way of navigating the city.
What Is the Unified Smart Card?
This new system brings the metro, monorail, LRT, and public buses together under a single payment method. Instead of treating each mode like its own world, the unified card lets passengers move between them seamlessly.
No more stopping to buy new tickets or managing separate balances—just tap, ride, switch, repeat. It’s designed to make mobility feel fluid rather than fragmented, especially for daily commuters and students who rely on multiple connections.

How It Works and Why It Matters
- One payment system for all major public transport modes
- Mobile app support for balance top-ups and trip planning
- Electronic wallet that updates dynamically as you travel
- Faster access with fewer queues and no paper tickets
By making public transport easier and smarter, the system nudges people away from private cars, easing congestion and reducing emissions. It’s not just a payment upgrade, it’s also a shift toward cleaner, quicker urban movement.

The Bigger Benefits for the City
Beyond convenience, the unified card lays the groundwork for a transport ecosystem built on efficiency and integration. It helps operators run systems more smoothly, cuts down operational waste, and encourages a more environmentally friendly mindset across the city.
Most importantly, it elevates the everyday travel experience, turning what used to be a stressful routine into something far more streamlined and predictable.

Final Stop: A Future on the Move
This project marks a bold step toward Cairo becoming a digitally connected transport hub. By merging multiple systems into one smart network, the city is setting itself up for a future where mobility is simple, sustainable, and genuinely user-friendly. One card, one app, one smoother journey, exactly what a bustling megacity deserves.
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