On July 1, the City of Cape Town will start with a feasibility study on taking over the management of passenger rail from National Government.
This was confirmed by the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility, Councillor Rob Quintas.
Quintas said he had had a collegial discussion with the Transport Minister, Fikile Mbalula where he assured him that cooperation and good relations with the City will continue and be maintained.
Quintas said while the engagement was encouraging, it is time to take action as the policy is in place.
“ The radical shift in how we approach rail operations across South Africa can only succeed with practical implementation against strict timeframes. Today’s engagement was encouraging, but South Africans need an efficient and reliable rail service right now,” he said.
He added that talks about restoring passenger rail as the backbone of public transport have been going on for far too long.
“The urgency to get our trains back on track cannot be overstated, given the rocketing fuel prices and its impact on consumers, particularly those from lower income households. The White Paper represents a welcome sea change in transport policy, and all but fully endorses the move to devolve the rail function to local government.”
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Picture: Cape Town Etc