The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

Ride-hailing apps such as Uber & Careem have revolutionised the way Egyptians commute, but with the changing of the times, there was bound to be another revolution. Enter Buseet and Swvl, with their own version of ride-hailing apps with scheduled buses, making commutes around Cairo easier and cheaper than ever before. Facing such strong competition is difficult, which is why Uber & Careem decided to follow suit.

Careem are powering up their position in the market by launching Careem Bus. This new app will be available for residents of Greater Cairo through four routes as a pilot run, covering the main regions of Cairo such as Maadi, 6^th of October, New Cairo, and Downtown, with 25 buses. The difference here is that these Careem buses will be available for instant booking, unlike Swvl, where you have to pre-book your bus rides.

The service is now available in the application for 25 EGP per person, regardless of the route, which is quite affordable in comparison with other transportation methods, considering long distances. The Mohandeseen – 6^th of October route is operational from 6:30 am to 7 pm and passes most key areas in both regions. The Maadi-New Cairo route is in operation between 6:30 am to 9:15 am, and 3:20 pm to 6:27 pm, from Corniche El-Maadi and most key areas in Maadi and New Cairo. The other way around, from New Cairo to Maadi runs at the same times and passes by the same places.

Uber are integrating this new feature within their current ride-hailing app. It is said to be hitting Cairo very soon, and will be the first city in the world where Uber will add such a feature. The buses available should be clean and air-conditioned, and the technology Uber will employ will connect you with other passengers going in the same direction in order to help you on your commute with minimal stops.

Uber Buses will operate from Sunday to Thursday for 12 hours between 7:30 am and 7:30 pm. The westbound buses will run from Nasr City, through Downtown, Dokki, and end in Mohandeseen. While Eastbound buses will go through the same areas, but in the other direction. Unlike Careem, Uber Bus will have variable prices according to the route. A trip from City Stars to Gameat Al Dewal Al Arabeya would cost 19 EGP, while a ride from Shehab Street to Tahrir Square will only cost 10 EGP. Just like other Uber rides, you can pay with cash or through the app, but you’ll need to walk to the nearest pick-up location, and of course, to your destination from the nearest drop off spot.