Khayelitsha commuters are hopeful that the Central train line will eventually be fully operational after the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) extended the line to Nolungile station in Site C.
Commuters have been able to board the train at the Philippi and Nolungile stations since Monday, September 2, on the Cape Town to Mandalay line.
The central line, a crucial rail network in Cape Town, has been running at a reduced capacity as a result of informal settlements blocking the railway around Langa and Philippi.
Prasa acting regional manager, Raymond Maseko, said this reinstated service aims to improve public transportation, providing more convenient and accessible travel options for commuters.
“The inclusion of Philippi station will further enhance connectivity and reduce travel times for our customers.”
He said they have security and customer services officials deployed within the rail space to ensure a safe, comfortable and convenient journey.
Some of the train’s safety features include CCTV cameras, emergency alarm, priority seating, smoke detectors, open gangway for visibility and automated doors that ensure that nobody enters or exits while the train is in transit.
Mr Maseko said rail remains the most affordable form of public transport, with single tickets starting from as little as R9 and further discounts of up to 50% applicable during off-peak times from 9.30am to 2.30pm.
“We are committed to continually improving our services and expanding our reach to better serve our communities. This reinstated service is a significant step towards enhancing public transportation in the region. Commuters on the central line can also look forward to the reintroduction of the Chris Hani and Kapteinsklip corridors in the coming months, where infrastructure repairs of the OverHead Traction Equipment (OHTE), perway (rail tracks), signalling and station upgrades are under way,” he said.
Commuter Khanyisa Mzobe, a student at Northlink College’s Tygerberg campus, said he forks over R800 a month for transport from Site B using a bus and could save money if the full train service is running.
He said while he appreciates the work being done to reinstate the service, it is happening too slowly.
Andile Mbambisa, said he travels from Harare to Epping and spends about R880 a month using a taxi. He also said using the train would be cheaper.
Another commuter, Duma Madyo, said he hopes that safety would be a top priority on the trains the constant delays without any communication would be a thing of the past.
