The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) says that the full recovery of commuter rail services across the country is a top priority, and five rail corridors in the Western Cape are earmarked for recovery this financial year.
Also read: The Presidency dismisses Cape Town mayor’s rail devolution push
To date, eight lines have been recovered in the province, six of which are in operation with the new electric motor units, also known as Isitimela Sabantu. Currently, trains are running on the Central, Southern and Northern corridors, stopping at 88 stations out of 121 stations in the province, as per the South African Government News Agency.
‘Considerable progress has been made in restoring commuter services nationally, with 18 corridors recovered nationally, and 16 corridors prioritized for recovery in this financial year,’ Prasa said in a statement. ‘We are making steady progress in recovering these lines. PRASA’s interventions to restore and sustain urban passenger rail services aim to ensure that the return of passenger rail to the city is sustainable. The plans are part of PRASA’s wider strategy to improve passenger rail services across South Africa and make rail a safe, reliable, and affordable mode of transport.’
Some of the plans to improve passenger train services for the City of Cape Town include:
- Increasing the number of trains running on the Cape Town rail network.
- Improving the frequency of trains, through the recovery of signalling.
- Upgrading of train stations.
- Building on the gains in the safety and security of passengers by investing in security and facilities management.
‘Together with improvements in the train service, these activities will improve the quality of life for commuters in the city, create jobs, and boost the city’s economy.
“The number of reopened lines and those earmarked for reopening tells the story of solid progress in returning passenger rail to its rightful place as the backbone of public transport in the Western Cape.
‘Residents of the city have welcomed the return of the services on several lines, including parts of the all-important Central Line. The recovery and rebuild programme is a priority that PRASA has shared with its stakeholders including parliamentary committees that we have been invited to.’
Cape {town} Etc discount: Looking for things to do in the city, at half the price? Get exclusive offers here.
According to the latest Stats SA Land Transport Survey, the year-on-year demand for passenger services, albeit from a low base, increased by 215%. Prasa says it holds regular meetings to discuss developments that affect the delivery of train services in Cape Town.
‘These meetings are in line with the provisions of the National Land Transport Act (NLTA) and are designed to keep the City and the Province informed of developments within PRASA. PRASA reiterates its plans and programmes to revitalize passenger train services in Cape Town at these meetings.’
The agency adds that it continues to work closely with the City of Cape Town and the provincial government during the rebuild and recovery of its infrastructure and services. Prasa, the City of Cape Town and the Western Cape Departments of Infrastructure and Mobility are members of an intergovernmental structure for relocating illegal occupants on the Central Line.
‘PRASA believes that the shared goal with the city of fully restoring the rail network and train services should remain the top priority between the two entities. Through the various intergovernmental structures and committees, we have full confidence in mutual cooperation and collaboration we share with the City of Cape Town and Western Cape Government for us to deliver on our promises to restore passenger rail services in the province.’
Unleash your inner explorer with these incredible car deals, all priced under 100k. Find car listings here.
Also read:
Prasa takes steps to evict squatters from three railway lines
Picture: Prasa / Facebook
