Passenger Rail Agency South Africa (PRASA) has revealed two of Cape Town’s new blue trains, with President Cyril Ramaphosa and Minister of Transport Blade Nzimande present to hop onboard for the trial run.
In an interview with Cape Talk, Prasa group CEO Dr Nkosinathi Sishi explained that the use of the trains today is a test run.
“We call it a trial operation which means the safety regulator is going to be given an opportunity to look at how they respond to the current infrastructure… also our engineers have an opportunity to ensure the performance of the train is at the best it could be.”
Called ‘Something Blue’, these Electrical Multiple Unit (EMU) trains include several new features, such as an onboard driver-commuter communication system, air conditioning, CCTV cameras, and emergency communication for disabled passengers.
Mr President @CyrilRamaphosa and minister of Transport @DrBladeNzimande arrived in @CapeTownTrains for The people’s train . We cannot wait for the Train ride . #TheFutureIsHere pic.twitter.com/pJu75lwomJ
— Cape Town Twins (@CPTtwins) April 9, 2019
#TheFutureIsHere
Welcome to Cape Town EMU ( Electrical Multiple Unit ) . @PRASA_Group @PresidencyZA pic.twitter.com/GhEHr90fwQ— Metrorail W/Cape (@CapeTownTrains) April 9, 2019
Meet ‘ The Peoples train ‘ . We had a good #TravelTuesday with @CapeTownTrains . Check out how it looks inside ??? | #Prasa | #TheFutureIsHere | #CapeTown pic.twitter.com/vnIkwiAOso
— Cape Town Twins (@CPTtwins) April 9, 2019
With regards to the safety of these new trains, Sishi said that Prasa are focusing on increasing safety and security measures.
“You may have noticed that in the last year or so we are really prioritising the issue of safety, as you would have noticed particularly in the Western Cape incidents that have been reported, we are working with security state agents to ensure the matter is dealt with and I think there are already signs that we are winning the battle.”
He went to add that PRASA hopes to introduce more blue EMU trains by the end of next year.
“We aim that by the end of 2020 we have particularly in the Western Cape introduced up to 35 of these new trains.”
Reports reveal that the two trains were initially built in Brazil but assembled in Gauteng before making their way to the Mother City.
Sishi said that all future new EMU trains will be built in South Africa.
“This is the first that has been built in Brazil but assembled by our team in Nigel, South Africa and the next set of trains will all be South African.”
#TheFutureIsHere
Look out for something Blue . The EMU , look out for The people’s train. We are commuting to the #SouthernLineCT ? pic.twitter.com/o0sp1PlsKb— Metrorail W/Cape (@CapeTownTrains) April 9, 2019
#TheFutureIsHere
Getting ready to introduce the EMU to #CapeTown . @PRASA_Group pic.twitter.com/Ce8OHIn1kb— Metrorail W/Cape (@CapeTownTrains) April 9, 2019
A mock up replica of a single carriage of then EMU will be open to the public for viewing and is located in the CBD area.
Good morning #CapeTown . #TheFutureIsHere We bring you The people’s train . @PRASA_Group pic.twitter.com/ar92BYcU9M
— Metrorail W/Cape (@CapeTownTrains) April 9, 2019
Also read: PRASA pilots new train in Cape Town
Picture: Twitter, Cape Town Twins
