Public transport companies have appealed to President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi for a package of economic measures and facilities to counter the negative impacts of the coronavirus (COVID-19).
Public transport has been one of the sectors most affected by the pandemic, with companies stressing the difficulty of their role since the virus started spreading in Egypt.
The companies emphasised that government measures to curb the spread of the virus have cost them large financial losses. They have seen a decline in revenues of over 75% due to considerably fewer passengers and the implementation of curfew hours, which have significantly shortened working hours.
The companies noted that the EGP 40m allocated to the Public Transportation Authority (PTA) has yet to trickle down to private companies. They called on Al-Sisi to exempt them from the monthly ration, fines, and penalties until the pandemic abates and life returns to normal.
The companies also indicated that they were surprised by PTA warnings that the monthly fees must be paid in advance. The warnings came despite the affected companies addressing the authority, Cairo Governorate, and the Council of Ministers, to no avail.
The list of affected companies includes Lotus, Ibrahimiyyah, Al Salam, Lebanon, Cairo, Al Heba, Al Rowad, Al Sakr, and the Cooperative Association for Mass Transportation among others.
The companies stressed that, despite the current conditions in Egypt, they are looking to maintain services for passengers despite fewer users, whilst also expanding their activities and avoid worker lay-offs.
