This project, which has begun rolling out in specific neighbourhoods and is slated for national expansion, aims to improve traffic flow and safety, and transition thousands of drivers into a regulated system.

The replacement is currently non-mandatory, focusing on encouraging drivers to voluntarily upgrade their transport under a subsidized financial scheme, according to a statement released by Giza Governorate on Friday.

Tuk-Tuks, which have proliferated nationwide in recent years, are banned from main streets for safety reasons.

While some complain about the mode due to a lack of safety, many drivers and passengers prefer it for its ability to manoeuvre quickly in narrow streets and alleys.

Unofficial estimates suggest that nearly 5 million are currently operating in Egypt.

The replacement vehicle, the Qute car, is a compact, four-wheeled vehicle offering several key improvements:

Features

• Qute is a larger, safer alternative, featuring three passenger seats in addition to the driver's seat, increasing its carrying capacity.
• It includes passenger seat belts and child safety locks.
• It boasts a higher horsepower rating (13 hp from a 217cc engine) compared to a standard Tuk-Tuk, offering better performance and stability with a top speed of 70 km/h.
• Produced by the Indian manufacturer Bajaj and reportedly will be assembled locally.
• The car operates on a dual-fuel system (natural gas and gasoline), offers environmental advantages for the city.
• It can travel up to 550 km on a single tank of fuel.
• The Qute car can be officially licensed as a taxi by the General Directorate of Traffic, providing regulatory compliance that Tuk-Tuks often lacked.
• Each city and district participating in the scheme will adopt a unified vehicle colour and adhere to a fixed, regulated fare structure.
• It measures 2752 mm (length) x 1312 mm (width) x 1652 mm (height), with a ground clearance of 180 mm.

Incentives & cost

• The scheme is supported by a financial package designed to encourage voluntary participation.
• The new Qute Car costs approximately EGP 200,000 ($4,200), while the price of a Tuk-Tuk has reached up to EGP 250,000 ($5,200).
• Each governorate, in cooperation with participating companies, will offer a total financial support package of EGP 11,000 ($230) per applicant.
• This includes an EGP 10,000 ($210) cashback received from the manufacturing company after the new vehicle is licensed and put into operation, and an EGP 1,000 ($20) subsidy provided by the governorate toward licensing fees.
• The remaining cost is handled through a soft loan mechanism, drawing on models used in previous national vehicle replacement programs to ensure drivers are not unduly burdened.
• Tuk-Tuk owners who wish to participate in the replacement scheme can do so by submitting an official request directly to the Giza Governorate offices.

Scheme phases

• The project is currently in its initial, gradual, and completely voluntary phase. Drivers are not compelled to abandon their Tuk-Tuks.
• The scheme is first being implemented in four specific areas: Al-Haram, Agouza, 6th of October City, and October Gardens.
• This stage serves as a field evaluation to observe the process, gather feedback, and address any potential logistical or operational issues before the scheme is expanded across the rest of the Giza Governorate.

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