As the blue and white tram carriages rattle into a large square in the heart of Alexandria, the doors creak open to a crush of passengers, many of whom can recite every stop by heart after years of daily travel.
The familiar clatter of single and double deck trams along this century and a half old line has long been a source of civic pride and an essential mode of transport for tens of thousands of commuters in Egypt’s second largest city. The tramway weaves through historic neighborhoods, connecting residential districts with markets, workplaces, and the Mediterranean seafront, serving generations of Alexandrians.
But that rhythm is set to fall silent. Authorities plan to shut down the historic tramway as part of a major overhaul of the city’s transport infrastructure, a move that has stirred controversy among residents, historians, and urban planners. Supporters of the project argue the aging system is inefficient and costly to maintain, and say modern alternatives are needed to ease congestion in a rapidly growing city.
Critics, however, fear the closure will erase an important piece of Alexandria’s heritage and disrupt daily life for commuters who rely on the affordable service. Many worry that promised upgrades may prioritize commercial development over public transport access, leaving low income residents with fewer options.
As preparations for the shutdown continue, the tram’s final journeys have taken on a nostalgic tone. For many passengers, each ride now feels like a farewell to a living symbol of Alexandria’s past, even as the city debates what its transport future should look like.
Leave a comment