Kareem Fahim explores the surprisingly reliable subway system beneath the Egyptian capital, as well as public sentiment that it's the last stronghold of order in a city still trying to regain its balance.
A year and a half after the dawn of the Arab Spring, Cairo still has a long way to come before life finds a new normal. But amidst the hustle and bustle of violent conflicts, government protests, bus strikes, and gas shortages, there remains one beacon of stability for city dwellers just trying to live their lives: the subway.
"In this often capricious city, the Metro is something of a miracle," writes Fahim. "Efficient and orderly, it is frequently referred to as the one thing that always works."
"If there was a crisis in the Metro," said Mohammed Ahmed, a 20-year-old commuter, "the people would have another revolution."
Even in spite of labor disputes, workers appreciate the importance of the Metro. While they've held regular sit-ins throughout the last week over unfulfilled promises of wage increases, the workers syndicate has stopped short of organizing a system halt.
"Not now," said Hossam el-Nabawy, vice president of the syndicate. "If the treatment is bad, the whole system will collapse."
FULL STORY: Underground, Everything That Life Above Is Not
San Francisco Muni Sees Highest Ridership Since Start of Pandemic
The SFMTA is improving service at off-peak hours and on weekends to accommodate new travel patterns that rely less on weekday commuters. Ridership has increased accordingly.
AI and 5G Could Advance Port Automation
A vision for the future of automated ports with AI and 5G: harnessing technology for enhanced efficiency, reliability, and safety.
D.C. Leads the Nation for Transit Recovery
Ridership on the region’s rail systems is rebounding faster than other major transit systems.
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.
Test News Post 1
This is a summary
Test News Headline 46
Test for the image on the front page.
Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service