158 CultureShock! Egypt
or stand. Like many rules in Cairo transportation, I have
yet to see one where every inch of standing space wasn’t
taken, often with extra people hanging on the side steps of
open buses.
Several other types of buses operate in Egypt. In smaller
towns and villages, as well as in Cairo, private micro-buses
(vans or trucks) meander through the streets. They do not
have signs, so it is difficult to tell exactly where they are going
or if they follow a specific route. If you think you want to get
on one, yell out your destination as it passes. If the driver is
going there, he will stop for you.
Everywhere you look, you will see tour buses prominently
marked. These are private buses run by agencies, which
operate package tours with stops at places of archaeological
or other tourist interest. Many tourist (excursion) buses
offer excellent services from Cairo to major destinations
throughout Egypt. Inter-city buses provide an easy way to
get from one major city to another, particularly from Cairo
north and eastwards, to Alexandria, Port Said, Ismailia and
the Suez. First class buses and jet buses have limited seats,
usually 40. Your ticket will give you an assigned seat for these
buses, which are air-conditioned and quite comfortable. Some
provide a snack service and videos. You will have to pay for
the snacks if you order.A rare sight—an uncrowded bus pulls into the bus station before it was
moved from Midan Tahrir.