2014年-世界发展银行全球_Cairo_Traffic_Congestion_Study___Executive_Note_15页_1mb

Arab Republic of Egypt: Cairo Congestion Study Executive Note (May 2014)

Core Content Overview

This report, prepared by the World Bank and executed by Ecorys in collaboration with Sets and Cambridge Systematics, presents an analysis of traffic congestion in the Greater Cairo Metropolitan Area (GCMA), which is home to over 19 million people and contributes significantly to Egypt’s GDP and employment. The study outlines the current traffic situation, key causes of congestion, economic impacts, and policy recommendations aimed at reducing congestion in the region.

Main Causes of Congestion in GCMA

1. Poor Traffic Management

• Physical bottlenecks, U-turns, poor road surface quality, and speed bumps are major design issues.
• Lack of lane discipline, jaywalking, and illegal stops by vehicles reduce traffic efficiency.
• Limited parking capacity and illegal on-road parking contribute to congestion.
• Poor enforcement of traffic laws and road occupancy policies (e.g., on-street vendors, animal-drawn carts) worsen the situation.
• Traffic influencing events such as road accidents, vehicle breakdowns, and VIP motorcades cause significant disruptions.

2. Low Transport Prices and Vehicle Operating Costs

• Low costs of owning and operating a car (due to subsidies and lack of tolls) discourage rational travel and carpooling.
• Low public transport prices (e.g., bus fares at 1 LE) are often at the expense of service quality and reliability.
• Poor regulation and enforcement lead to an oversupply of taxis and minibuses, which further congest the roads.

3. Inadequate Supply of Mass Transit

• Cairo has only 1,500 standard buses and 70 km of metro lines, far below the levels of comparable global cities.
• No Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system exists, and the Heliopolis tram requires major upgrades.
• Despite high demand for public transport, especially during peak hours, the limited supply hinders a shift from private vehicles to mass transit.

Economic Costs of Congestion

Current (2010) and Projected (2030) Costs

• Annual congestion cost in 2010: 47.7 billion LE (approximately 8 billion USD).
• Projected congestion cost in 2030: 104.7 billion LE (approximately 17.48 billion USD).
• Congestion cost as a percentage of Egypt's GDP: 3.6% in 2010, expected to rise in the future.

Cost Components

Comparative Perspective

• Cairo's congestion cost (8 billion USD/year) is higher than New York (10 billion USD/year) and Jakarta (5 billion USD/year) relative to their GDPs.
• Cairo's congestion cost is 3.6% of Egypt’s GDP, a significant portion that highlights the national importance of the issue.

Policy Recommendations

1. Implement Traffic Management Solutions

• Focus on corridor management schemes to improve traffic flow.
• Pilot corridors: May 15th Bridge, Al Mokatam Street, and El Malek Faisal Street.
• Actions include: introducing traffic signals, regulating U-turns, improving pedestrian access, enforcing bus and minibus stops, and introducing on-street parking charges.

2. Strengthen the Greater Cairo Transport Regulatory Authority (GCTRA)

• Centralize traffic management to ensure coordination and effective policy implementation.
• The GCTRA needs sufficient authority, capacity, and political support to overcome challenges in managing traffic in Cairo.

3. Introduce Traffic-Related Charges

• On-street parking charges can be introduced to create awareness about the cost of using public space.
• Gradual removal of fuel subsidies can generate funds for improving traffic infrastructure and mass transit.
• Review transport tariffs to improve service quality and operations, using financial incentives and enforcement.

4. Expand Mass Transit Network

• Invest in public transport, not just urban roads.
• Options include: expanding the metro, developing BRT systems, and upgrading trams.
• Integration of transit systems (e.g., single fare ticketing) can enhance efficiency.
• Private sector participation may help with operations and rolling stock.
• Fiscal constraints must be addressed through sustainable funding and cost-benefit analysis.

Key Takeaways

• Cairo's congestion is a major economic and social issue, affecting quality of life and business productivity.
• High population growth and limited public transport are key drivers of the problem.
• Traffic management and pricing reforms are short-term solutions, while mass transit expansion is essential for long-term relief.
• The economic impact of congestion is significant, representing 3.6% of Egypt's GDP in 2010, expected to rise.
• Policy implementation must be coordinated, authoritative, and supported by political will to be effective.