Raymond Maseko, the acting regional manager, confirmed that reopening is scheduled before February’s end.
The Stellenbosch and Du Toit stations have undergone major repairs and refurbishments following vandalism.
Maseko noted the necessity of basic cleaning and additional work, revealing plans for an expanded platform at Stellenbosch as part of Prasa’s 2024/2025 refurbishment programme.
This is a component of Prasa’s plan to gradually reintroduce several train routes that were heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Southern Line resumed limited service in July 2020, reaching reasonable functionality in January 2022, albeit with reduced train availability.
The Northern Line reopened gradually throughout 2022 and into January 2023. However, the Central Line remains inactive until squatters in Philippi are relocated.
Municipal spokesperson Stuart Grobbelaar said this comes after years of interruption and a breakdown in Prasa’s service to many towns and regions.
‘We are happy that our requests and meetings over the years seem to now be leading to action,’ he said.
According to Grobbelaar, the return of train services is expected to ease traffic congestion and benefit residents, students and visitors, enhancing mobility and accessibility in the region.
‘The reopening will greatly aid our residents, students and visitors in commuting, easing traffic congestion on our roads,’ Grobbelaar said.