The Cairo system was first modernised in 1965 with 134 secondhand PCC trams from Los Angeles of various models and years of construction. They were modified to be able to run in pairs and dissappeared during the 1980's, with the advance of the Japanese trams. In 1970-1973 a second modernisation wave brought Tatra K5 articulated trams numbers 3001-3200. However, there were many problems with them and they dissappeared as soon as the Japanese trams arrived. In 1978 Kinki Sharyo delivered series 6001-6140 (motorcars) with trailers 6501-6570. 6111-6140 were assembled by SEMAF in Egypt. Part of the series went to Helwan and only there were they used with the trailers. In 1979/1980 Kinki Sharyo built series 4001-4190, two-car sets of a more angular design. In 1981/1982 the 4191-4270 followed, built up by SEMAF in Egypt with equiment from Hitachi. Since then the system was operated by the 4000 and 6000-series cars. With the gradual closure of the urban system they were transfered to the Heliopolis services. Finally they were repainted in Heliopolis colours dark green and cream with a yellow stripe.