Dozens of outlets in Cairo for the digital payment service Fawry are now selling metro tickets in an effort to reduce crowds at ticket windows at metro stations, according to the Egyptian Company for Metro Management and Operation, which operates Cairo’s underground metro.
Earlier this month, the price of metro tickets was increased and a new pricing system was introduced based on the distance travelled by passengers. The new system has led to congestion at ticket windows at most subway stations, with many passengers still confused about the new pricing system.
The Egyptian Company for Metro Management and Operation has partnered with Fawry to sell metro tickets at 35 Fawry Plus branches in Greater Cairo, the company announced on Sunday in a statement published on its official Facebook pages.
The move is aimed at “reducing congestion and crowding and making it easier for metro users to get tickets,” said company chairman Ali Fadaly.
Before the introduction of the new hikes, commuters bought a standard ticket for two pounds regardless of distance travelled.
Now, commuters are charged a base fare of three pounds for travelling nine stops, five pounds for up to 16 stops and seven pounds for more than 16 stations.
The government said the higher fares are necessary to keep the service operating and finance extensions for the metro. More than 3.5 million of Greater Cairo’s 22 million inhabitants use the transportation network every day, according to official estimates.
Last year, the government doubled the price of the metro tickets from one pounds to two pounds.
Source: Ahram Online
