THE Shenzhen-based electric car maker BYD announced the possible expansion of its SkyRail monorail to Alexandria, an ancient port city and the second-largest city in Egypt. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed by BYD and the transportation authority of Alexandria on Sunday, the Nanfang Daily reported yesterday.

The proposed project consists of planning the construction of a 128-kilometer monorail line. The potential collaboration comes four years after Alexandria authorities began exploring options to relieve their city of chronic traffic jams.

“BYD has a very strong reputation and reliable image, especially in Egypt. We are so glad to take this kind of cooperation step with BYD, and we hope to see the SkyRail operating in Alexandria as soon as possible,” said Khaled Eleiwa, chairman of the Alexandria Passenger Transportation Authority.

“BYD’s SkyRail is a clean, affordable and safe way for people to commute. It also utilizes limited road space in towns and cities while minimizing disruption to local communities,” said Huang Zhixue, general manager of the BYD Middle East and Africa Auto Sales Division. “Today’s cooperation is a step towards developing the wide partnership that we have maintained with Egypt over the past 13 years.”

According to the report, BYD’s SkyRail is cost-effective as it requires only one-fifth of the cost and one-third of the construction time of a Metro line. BYD has conducted feasibility studies in more than 100 cities worldwide, including the city of Iloilo in the Philippines, and it has established strategic partnerships with over 10 cities in China.

SkyRail is currently operating in Yinchuan, an industrial city in Northwest China. Construction of BYD SkyRail lines are also expected to begin in 20 cities in 2018. (Zhang Yang)