Uber rolls out intercity bus service in Egypt

Uber rolls out intercity bus service in Egypt

Ride-hailing and logistics company, Uber has rolled out an intercity bus service in Egypt.

The intercity bus service makes Egypt the first country to test for the service to ease traffic across Egypt’s cities.

A statement by Uber said, “Built locally, the company chooses Egypt once again to be the first country globally to roll out a new service. The launch comes as part of Uber’s continuous efforts to adapt its technology to build a wide range of products that meet the needs of local markets. Following the Covid-19 lockdown period, Uber is excited to continue expanding its presence in Egypt with a safe and affordable ride.”

The service that is available through Uber’s main app under Bus routes in the menu bar. At the moment the roundtrip routes are between Cairo and Alexandria.

The routes have up to 9 pick up and drop off points across the two governorates. The intercity bus service operates 7 days a week with 8 journeys per day, with a fare for these trips according to Uber’s website set at $5.6.

General Manager of Uber Egypt, Ahmed Khalil said, “We are honored to witness another global product launch from Egypt, especially following the last few tense months across the country and the world. Egypt is an innovation hub and a fantastic environment for testing new products.”

“By leveraging Uber’s technology, the new intercity service will introduce a convenient setting to move users between governorates. As we continue to invest in the Egyptian market, we remain committed to broadening our product range to provide convenient transportation solutions within and across cities,” Khalil further stated.

According to the company, the intercity buses will adhere to the Covid-19 safety measures which include riders and drivers wearing face masks during trips, reduction of maximum seating capacity to encourage physical distancing between riders and providing sanitizer dispensers on all the buses.

Uber is also planning to launch the service in other cities in Egypt in the coming months.

Uber first launched Uber Bus in Egypt in 2018.