Egyptian state officials inaugurated the country's first electric bus in Alexandria on Saturday, an unprecedented development in the country's transportation system.

The inauguration was attended by Alexandria's governor Abdelaziz Qonsowa as well as a number of local state officials and parliamentarians.

Electric mobility is part of the sustainable development goals that Egypt aims to achieve by 2030, said Khaled Eleiwa, chairman of the board of the Alexandria Passenger Transportation Authority (APTA).

Governor Qonsowa pointed out that Alexandria governorate is encouraging green cities by raising public awareness and working to provide environmentally friendly transport. The governor added that he is keen to maintain sustainable development and electronic transformation to make Alexandria a smart city.

Electric buses run on chemical energy stored in rechargeable battery packs. Electric buses are more environment-friendly and less costly in maintenance, which costs EGP 50,000 (approximately $3,000) annually, compared to EGP 200,000 ( approximately $12,000) for regular buses.

Tickets will range from EGP 5 (approximately 0.3 cents) to EGP 10 (approximately 0.6 cents) according to the destination.

These buses are equipped with six surveillance cameras, including one in the back, as well as WIFI and GPS, and are prepared to receive people with special needs.

The buses also include bells that notify the driver when the passengers want to get off.

Egypt, which is planning to increase its reliance on renewable energy to 22 percent by 2020, is also set to introduce its first electric monorail project.

Canadian-based company Bombardier will carry out the monorail project, which will run in Cairo.

The country’s first electric vehicle charging station opened in Cairo in February. The unit is owned by Revolta Egypt, the developer of electric charging infrastructure and other electric vehicle-related projects.