Talk like an Egyptian

Thales has been chosen to supply a contactless fare collection system and an integrated supervision and communication system for the new line 3 of Cairo’s metro network. The first section of the new line is due to become operational in 2010. After the roll-out is completed, the new line will transport five million passengers per day by 2020.

Thales will supply a ticketing system based on contactless technology for the new line. Line 3 is the first step towards introducing contactless technology in Cairo’s public transportation network. In the long term, the whole network will run on contactless technology. Interoperable fare collection systems already installed by Thales in other large cities integrate access to metros as well as to the bus and tramway networks. They can also be extended to include additional services.

The Egyptian transport authorities also awarded Thales the contract to supply an integrated supervision, control and communication system which ensures the security and safety of passengers and operations on the new line. It includes a Communication Centre which allows the operator to broadcast passenger information in the station and enables voice and data exchange with the train drivers, collection and monitoring of all equipment and alert systems on the line as well as telephone communication with the technical and operation room.

Construction work for the new Cairo metro line, which will include 29 stations and will be 33km in length, is due to start in July of this year. After roll-out is complete, the metro network will be 100km long.