Edition October 2024

The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) has made significant progress in its transformation over the past two years. By embracing technology and accelerating its rolling stock modernisation programme, PRASA is evolving into a world-class organisation.

The agency's primary focus has been on providing affordable rail services that contribute to a more  efficient and safe public transport system. The successful introduction of the much-loved People's Train has brought excitement to passenger rail services.

PRASA has successfully restored train operations on 31 out of 40 corridors, reconnecting commuters to crucial rail lines. These include routes from Naledi to Johannesburg, Mabopane to Pretoria, KwaMashu to Durban, Saulsville to Pretoria, Cape Town to Belville, and most of the Central Line in Cape Town. This recovery is a significant step towards re-establishing passenger rail as the backbone of public transport.

With these services now operational, PRASA is concentrating on increasing train frequency, digitising services, and enhancing safety and efficiency.

The agency has refurbished 300 previously vandalised and damaged stations, providing commuters with safer and more efficient facilities.

Job creations

PRASA has maintained the successful execution of its capital programme, effectively utilising funds for infrastructure and asset improvements. This has enabled the rapid reintroduction of services. The high level of spending demonstrates the agency's commitment to enhancing service delivery and operational efficiency. Over R36 billion has been committed to the programme, including the Gibela project, which is expected to create and sustain at least 250 000 additional jobs. Network optimisation is anticipated to provide significant economic benefits in the coming years.

Capital programmes have created more than 15 000 jobs in the past three years, while PRASA's security strategy has generated over 9 500 jobs.

One of PRASA's notable achievements has been creating 33 965 sustainable job opportunities through infrastructure projects, rolling stock, and operational initiatives. This includes employing 71 cooperatives responsible for cleaning and maintaining 96 regional stations. The introduction of cooperatives provided employment and empowered local communities by involving them directly in PRASA's maintenance and operational activities.

The success of PRASA's rolling stock modernisation programme is evident in the delivery of the 226th Electric Multiple Units train manufactured at the Gibela factory in Nigel.

These modern trains improve passenger safety, reliability and operational efficiency. This fleet renewal demonstrates PRASA's commitment to developing local industries and creating employment opportunities.

Efficiency

Perhaps the most visible demonstration of how PRASA has become a well-oiled machine was its accomplishment in ferrying fans between Park Station and Ellis Park Station for the rugby game between South Africa and New Zealand on 31 August 2024. This was not just an opportunity for the entity to run a special service but to show PRASA at its most capable. PRASA demonstrated that it could safely and efficiently run a continuous service from Park Station to Ellis Park in three minutes. By the end of the day, PRASA had recorded over 10 000 passengers between Park Station and the stadium.

Clearly, the seamless travel experience between PRASA and the Gautrain, which allowed rugby fans to focus on the magic of the fierce rivalry between two great rugby nations, contributed to the buoyant mood at Ellis Park. The same stadium gave a newly democratic South Africa its first major sporting victory when Francois Pienaar’s men won the Webb Ellis Trophy in 1995. The restoration of the train link between this venue and Park Station, Africa’s most famous railway station, signalled the rebirth of PRASA.

A better PRASA

For those who have been watching the new PRASA rise, the rapid transformation of Ellis Park Station, the quick turnaround to transport thousands of rugby fans between Park Station and Ellis Park reinforced just how significantly the fortunes of this critical state-owned entity (SOE) have improved.

Those who travelled to Ellis Park on the People’s Train included New Zealand’s Deputy High Commissioner, David Geyer who joined many other dignitaries and passionate rugby fans who used the Gautrain and PRASA trains to get to the famed rugby stadium. Since this experience, PRASA has run a similar service during the match between Bafana Bafana and Uganda at Orlando Stadium. When the Springboks faced the All Blacks in Cape Town, PRASA also provided the service. Fans were able to enjoy an integrated service that included the MyCiti bus service and were saved from worrying about driving or parking.

Determination

Commenting on the trajectory of success, PRASA’s Group CEO Hishaam Emeran, said, “we have the people, the skills, and the determination to return PRASA to its rightful position as the backbone of South Africa’s public transport system. PRASA stands as a beacon of achievement, an SOE with world-class trains, infrastructure, employees and services. Let us maintain the momentum of recovery and positively contribute to the socio-economic fabric of our society.

“Reaching the milestone annual performance level of 87% is a testament to the collective resolve of our workforce. It also shows that our ambitious vision for 2035 is achievable. Significantly growing passenger trips requires more than just infrastructure; it demands a mindset rooted in courage, passion, and determination”.

PRASA’s success has been felt across the region. It plays a leading role in the Southern African Railways Association (SARA) – the leading voice in the affairs of the freight and passenger rail sectors of SADC countries. Emeran is also the President of SARA.