Cairo: The Ministry of Transport announced on Thursday, March 26, 2026, a new set of decisions regarding the adjustment of railway ticket prices and certain metro fares, effective Friday, March 27, 2026. The updated pricing includes a 12.5% increase for long-distance train tickets and a 25% increase for short-distance journeys.
According to State Information Service Egypt, the new metro fare structure will see trips up to 9 stations increase to LE 10 from the previous LE 8, while the fare for up to 16 stations will rise to LE 12 from LE 10. However, the ticket price for up to 23 stations remains unchanged at LE 15, and the fare for more than 23 stations, up to a maximum of 39, also stays steady at LE 20.
The Ministry of Transport has urged citizens, particularly students and employees in both the public and private sectors, to take advantage of metro and train subscriptions. These options offer significant discounts compared to individual ticket prices. The Ministry explained that these steps were necessary to address substantial financial challenges and ensure the continuity of service.
This decision was attributed to several primary factors, including doubled operating costs driven by the global rise in petroleum product prices and imported materials purchased with foreign currency. Additionally, there have been frequent increases in electricity costs. Furthermore, the authorities are facing maintenance and development burdens due to a significant rise in the cost of spare parts needed to maintain the train and metro fleets, alongside ongoing projects aimed at improving the efficiency of existing lines.
Finally, the adjustment supports improving employee conditions through regular salary increases for authority staff to ensure a decent standard of living in line with national policy. The Ministry concluded its statement by noting that it is simultaneously working to maximize investment in the assets and properties of the Railway and Metro Authorities to increase self-generated revenue. Officials emphasized that these measures are primarily aimed at ensuring the sustainability and development of high-quality services for the public.