Restore passenger rail services
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Individual Reform: Restore passenger rail services 2026 - 2027

While recent progress on corridor restoration and momentum in the rolling stock modernisation programme is encouraging, passenger rail remains far from becoming a driving force behind spatial integration. The devolution plan is facing resistance from unions and uneven buy-in from local governments, largely due to varying municipal capacity to develop viable business cases. Cape Town, for example, has progressed to a service-level agreement with PRASA, but many other metros lack both the willingness and institutional readiness to engage meaningfully.

Complete the rolling stock modernisation programme

No data available for the deliverable: Complete the rolling stock modernisation programme

No data available for the deliverable: Complete the rolling stock modernisation programme

No data available for the deliverable: Complete the rolling stock modernisation programme

No data available for the deliverable: Complete the rolling stock modernisation programme

No data available for the deliverable: Complete the rolling stock modernisation programme

Summary

The rolling stock modernisation programme represents a critical component of passenger rail recovery, centred on a R51bn contract for manufacturing 3,600 coaches (600 trains) to replace outdated trains and technnology. Reliable trains are vital for a safe and efficient passenger rail system. The plan is to improve reliability, cut delays and offer a safer, more comfortable journey. This can also support local jobs, manufacturing and better integration with other transport, making rail a viable alternative to private cars for millions. Prasa has allocated over R50bn for this between 2024-2027 and by the start of this year, 96 new electric multiple units were in service, with 241 trains planned as part of the renewal. However, delivery lags corridor restoration. The Gibela manufacturing facility on the East Rand, for instance, has produced new trains at a faster rate than Prasa can absorb them into operational service due to delayed upgrades of depot infrastructure. New trains are therefore left standing idle due to the lack of necessary equipment and technical capacity to maintain and deploy them.

Canvas not supported.

Is it working?

There are strong early results, including rising passenger numbers, progress in corridor restoration and an estimated R1bn in tax revenue generated in 2024. However, ongoing vandalism, theft and a lack of operational readiness continue to undermine overall efficacy.

Actions

Institutional actions include the establishment of the Gibela local manufacturing facility on the East Rand for train production with a 65% minimum local content requirement, parliamentary oversight and comprehensive plans to recover stations by the end of 2025.

Are there plans?

Comprehensive plans have been developed and published. These include Prasa's 2022–2025 corporate plan, Operation Vulindlela 2.0 reform priorities and a rolling stock fleet renewable programme, which entails a R51bn contract with Gibela for 3,600 coaches over 10-year period (2015-2025).

Is it on the agenda?

Yes, it is a key reform area of Operation Vulindlela 2.0. Both the President and DoT ministers have reinforced this priority at conferences and during public addresses. Additionally, the Select Committee on Public Infrastructure conducted an oversight visit to Prasa in March 2025.

Goals

Manufacture 3,600 coaches (600 trains) to replace Prasa's antiquated 1950s technology with world-class standards, improve reliability, cut delays and offer a safer, more comfortable journey.

Departments / Govt Institutions

Transnet

Summary

The rolling stock modernisation programme represents a critical component of passenger rail recovery, centred on a R51bn contract for manufacturing 3,600 coaches (600 trains) to replace outdated trains and technnology. The plan is to improve reliability, cut delays and offer a safer, more comfortable journey. This can also support local jobs, manufacturing and better integration with other transport, making rail a viable alternative to private cars for millions. Prasa has allocated over R50bn for this between 2024-2027 and by the start of this year, 96 new electric multiple units were in service, with 241 trains planned as part of the renewal. However, delivery lags corridor restoration. The Gibela manufacturing facility on the East Rand, for instance, has produced new trains at a faster rate than Prasa can absorb them into operational service due to delayed upgrades of depot infrastructure. New trains are therefore left standing idle due to the lack of necessary equipment and technical capacity to maintain and deploy them.

Canvas not supported.

Is it working?

There are strong early results, including rising passenger numbers, progress in corridor restoration and an estimated R1bn in tax revenue generated in 2024. However, ongoing vandalism, theft and a lack of operational readiness continue to undermine overall efficacy.

Actions

Institutional actions include the establishment of the Gibela local manufacturing facility on the East Rand for train production (with a 65% minimum local content requirement), parliamentary oversight and comprehensive plans to recover stations by the end of 2025.

Are there plans?

Comprehensive plans have been developed and published. These include Prasa's 2022–2025 corporate plan, Operation Vulindlela 2.0 reform priorities and a rolling stock fleet renewable programme, which entails a R51bn contract with Gibela for 3,600 coaches over 10-year period (2015-2025).

Is it on the agenda?

Yes, it is a key reform area of Operation Vulindlela 2.0. Both the President and DoT ministers have reinforced this priority at conferences and during public addresses. Additionally, the Select Committee on Public Infrastructure conducted an oversight visit to Prasa in March 2025.

Goals

Manufacture 3,600 coaches (600 trains) to replace Prasa's antiquated 1950s technology with world-class standards, improve reliability, cut delays and offer a safer, more comfortable journey.

Departments / Govt Institutions

Transnet

Summary

The rolling stock modernisation programme represents a critical component of passenger rail recovery, centred on a R51bn contract for manufacturing 3,600 coaches (600 trains) to replace outdated trains and technology. The plan is to improve reliability, cut delays and offer a safer, more comfortable journey. This can also support local jobs, manufacturing and better integration with other transport, making rail a viable alternative to private cars for millions. Prasa has allocated over R50bn for this between 2024-2027 and by the start of this year, 96 new electric multiple units were in service, with 241 trains planned as part of the renewal. However, delivery lags corridor restoration. The Gibela manufacturing facility on the East Rand, for instance, has produced new trains at a faster rate than Prasa can absorb them into operational service due to delayed upgrades of depot infrastructure. New trains are therefore left standing idle due to the lack of necessary equipment and technical capacity to maintain and deploy them.

Canvas not supported.

Is it working?

There are strong early results, including rising passenger numbers, progress in corridor restoration and an estimated R1bn in tax revenue generated in 2024. However, ongoing vandalism, theft and a lack of operational readiness continue to undermine overall efficacy.

Actions

Institutional actions include the establishment of the Gibela local manufacturing facility on the East Rand for train production (with a 65% minimum local content requirement), parliamentary oversight and comprehensive plans to recover stations by the end of 2025.

Are there plans?

Comprehensive plans have been developed and published. These include Prasa's 2022–2025 corporate plan, Operation Vulindlela 2.0 reform priorities and a rolling stock fleet renewable programme, which entails a R51bn contract with Gibela for 3,600 coaches over 10-year period (2015-2025).

Is it on the agenda?

Yes, it is a key reform area of Operation Vulindlela 2.0. Both the President and DoT ministers have reinforced this priority at conferences and during public addresses. Additionally, the Select Committee on Public Infrastructure conducted an oversight visit to Prasa in March 2025.

Goals

Manufacture 3,600 coaches (600 trains) to replace Prasa's antiquated 1950s technology with world-class standards, improve reliability, cut delays and offer a safer, more comfortable journey.

Departments / Govt Institutions

Transnet

Summary

The rolling stock modernisation programme represents a critical component of passenger rail recovery, centred on a R51bn contract for manufacturing 3,600 coaches (600 trains) to replace outdated trains and technology. The plan is to improve reliability, cut delays and offer a safer, more comfortable journey. This can also support local jobs, manufacturing and better integration with other transport, making rail a viable alternative to private cars for millions. Prasa has allocated over R50bn for this between 2024 and 2027. By the start of this year, 96 new electric multiple units were in service, with 241 trains planned as part of the renewal. However, delivery lags corridor restoration. The Gibela manufacturing facility on the East Rand, for instance, has produced new trains at a faster rate than Prasa can absorb them into operational service due to delayed upgrades of depot infrastructure. New trains are therefore left standing idle due to the lack of necessary equipment and technical capacity to maintain and deploy them.

Canvas not supported.

Is it working?

There are strong early results, including rising passenger numbers, progress in corridor restoration and an estimated R1bn in tax revenue generated in 2024. However, ongoing vandalism, theft and a lack of operational readiness continue to undermine overall efficacy.

Actions

Institutional actions include the establishment of the Gibela local manufacturing facility on the East Rand for train production (with a 65% minimum local content requirement), parliamentary oversight and comprehensive plans to recover stations by the end of 2025.

Are there plans?

Comprehensive plans have been developed and published. These include Prasa's 2022–2025 corporate plan, Operation Vulindlela 2.0 reform priorities and a rolling stock fleet renewable programme, which entails a R51bn contract with Gibela for 3,600 coaches over 10-year period (2015-2025).

Is it on the agenda?

Yes, it is a key reform area of Operation Vulindlela 2.0. Both the President and DoT ministers have reinforced this priority at conferences and during public addresses. Additionally, the Select Committee on Public Infrastructure conducted an oversight visit to Prasa in March 2025.

Goals

Manufacture 3,600 coaches (600 trains) to replace Prasa's antiquated 1950s technology with world-class standards, improve reliability, cut delays and offer a safer, more comfortable journey.

Departments / Govt Institutions

Transnet

Analyst: Cecilia Schultz
Status: in-progress
Last Updated:
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    Develop a roadmap for passenger rail including a strategy to manage devolution to capable local and regional authorities

    No data available for the deliverable: Develop a roadmap for passenger rail including a strategy to manage devolution to capable local and regional authorities

    No data available for the deliverable: Develop a roadmap for passenger rail including a strategy to manage devolution to capable local and regional authorities

    No data available for the deliverable: Develop a roadmap for passenger rail including a strategy to manage devolution to capable local and regional authorities

    No data available for the deliverable: Develop a roadmap for passenger rail including a strategy to manage devolution to capable local and regional authorities

    No data available for the deliverable: Develop a roadmap for passenger rail including a strategy to manage devolution to capable local and regional authorities

    Summary

    Prasa's centralised model has underperformed, prompting the 2022 National Rail Policy to support municipal devolution. Originally scheduled for completion by 2024, the strategy has been delayed continuously and no draft version exists.

    Canvas not supported.

    Is it working?

    Not yet operational. No metro has taken operational control. Pilot implementation and outcomes will only emerge post-2026.

    Actions

    The National Rail Policy was approved by Cabinet in 2022 and a service level plan was signed between Cape Town and Prasa in December 2024. Cape Town has emerged as the pilot municipality for devolution and has commissioned business case development for multiple devolution models. However, implementation mechanisms and supporting strategy development remain outstanding and it is unclear when this will be completed.

    Are there plans?

    Yes, the National Rail Policy provides an overarching legal and policy framework for devolution. There is also implementation planning ongoing, with business plans for devolution models in development.

    Is it on the agenda?

    This has been in government policy documents and transport sector plans since 2022. It is also included in Operation Vulindlela's 2.0's passenger rail reform area.

    Goals

    The devolution strategy, outlined in the White Paper on the National Rail Policy (2022), provides for the assignment of responsibility for managing all urban rail functions to metropolitan municipalities.

    Departments / Govt Institutions

    The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA)

    Summary

    Prasa's centralised model has underperformed, prompting the 2022 National Rail Policy to support municipal devolution. Originally scheduled for completion by 2024, the strategy has been delayed continuously and no draft version exists.

    Canvas not supported.

    Is it working?

    Not yet operational. No metro has taken operational control. Pilot implementation and outcomes will only emerge post-2026.

    Actions

    The National Rail Policy was approved by Cabinet in 2022 and a service level plan was signed between Cape Town and Prasa in December 2024. Cape Town has emerged as the pilot municipality for devolution and has commissioned business case development for multiple devolution models. However, implementation mechanisms and supporting strategy development remain outstanding and it is unclear when these will be completed.

    Are there plans?

    The National Rail Policy provides an overarching legal and policy framework for devolution. Implementation planning is continuing, with business plans for devolution models in development.

    Is it on the agenda?

    This has been in government policy documents and transport sector plans since 2022. It is also included in Operation Vulindlela's 2.0's passenger rail reform area.

    Goals

    The devolution strategy, outlined in the White Paper on the National Rail Policy (2022), provides for the assignment of responsibility for managing all urban rail functions to metropolitan municipalities.

    Departments / Govt Institutions

    The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA)

    Summary

    Prasa's centralised model has underperformed, prompting the 2022 National Rail Policy to support municipal devolution. Originally scheduled for completion by 2024, the strategy has been repeatedly delayed and no draft version exists.

    Canvas not supported.

    Is it working?

    Not yet operational. No metro has taken operational control. Pilot implementation and outcomes will only emerge post-2026.

    Actions

    The National Rail Policy was approved by Cabinet in 2022 and a service level plan was signed between Cape Town and Prasa in December 2024. Cape Town has emerged as the pilot municipality for devolution and has commissioned business case development for multiple devolution models. However, implementation mechanisms and supporting strategy development remain outstanding and it is unclear when these will be completed.

    Are there plans?

    The National Rail Policy provides an overarching legal and policy framework for devolution. Implementation planning is continuing, with business plans for devolution models in development.

    Is it on the agenda?

    This has been in government policy documents and transport sector plans since 2022. It is also included in Operation Vulindlela's 2.0's passenger rail reform area.

    Goals

    The devolution strategy, outlined in the White Paper on the National Rail Policy (2022), provides for the assignment of responsibility for managing all urban rail functions to metropolitan municipalities.

    Departments / Govt Institutions

    The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA)

    Summary

    Prasa's centralised model has underperformed, prompting the 2022 National Rail Policy to support municipal devolution. Originally scheduled for completion by 2024, the strategy has been repeatedly delayed and no draft version exists.

    Canvas not supported.

    Is it working?

    Not yet operational. No metro has taken operational control. Pilot implementation and outcomes will only emerge post-2026.

    Actions

    The National Rail Policy was approved by Cabinet in 2022 and a service level plan was signed between Cape Town and Prasa in December 2024. Cape Town has emerged as the pilot municipality for devolution and has commissioned business case development for multiple devolution models. However, implementation mechanisms and supporting strategy development remain outstanding and it is unclear when these will be completed.

    Are there plans?

    The National Rail Policy provides an overarching legal and policy framework for devolution. Implementation planning is continuing, with business plans for devolution models in development.

    Is it on the agenda?

    This has been in government policy documents and transport sector plans since 2022. It is also included in Operation Vulindlela's 2.0's passenger rail reform area.

    Goals

    The devolution strategy, outlined in the White Paper on the National Rail Policy (2022), provides for the assignment of responsibility for managing all urban rail functions to metropolitan municipalities.

    Departments / Govt Institutions

    The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA)

    Analyst: Cecilia Schultz
    Status: in-progress
    Last Updated:
    Next Update:
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    Reform:

      If you would like to alert our analysts to an update you are aware of in this particular reform area, please complete the form below and submit it to us. Please ensure you include links to any press releases or other documents to confirm the reforms and provide detail to allow our analysts to assess the changes. Our team will review it.

      Return passenger rail corridors and stations to service

      No data available for the deliverable: Return passenger rail corridors and stations to service

      No data available for the deliverable: Return passenger rail corridors and stations to service

      No data available for the deliverable: Return passenger rail corridors and stations to service

      No data available for the deliverable: Return passenger rail corridors and stations to service

      No data available for the deliverable: Return passenger rail corridors and stations to service

      No data available for the deliverable: Return passenger rail corridors and stations to service

      No data available for the deliverable: Return passenger rail corridors and stations to service

      No data available for the deliverable: Return passenger rail corridors and stations to service

      Summary

      Between 2009 and 2024, the number of passenger journeys per year declined by 89% (from 649,787 to 73,557) due to maintenance backlogs, corruption and vandalism. During Covid, extensive vandalism, cable theft and infrastructure forced Prasa to suspend operations on multiple routes. In 2024, Prasa had successfully restored 31 out of 40 priority rail corridors to operational status, representing 78% completion of the corridor restoration target. Additionally, the agency reported a 167% rise in passengers in June 2024, reaching 40 million.

      Canvas not supported.

      Is it working?

      There are strong early results, including rising passenger numbers, progress in corridor restoration and an estimated R1bn in tax revenue generated in 2024. However, ongoing vandalism, theft and service gaps, such as the suspension of the Union–Vereeniging line, continue to undermine overall efficacy.

      Actions

      R12bn has been invested in capital projects, creating approximately 4,500 jobs. In 2016, the government allocated R172bn towards investment in passenger rail infrastructure, such as signalling restoration to increase frequency as well as private security deployment at problematic areas.

      Are there plans?

      Comprehensive plans have been developed and published, including Prasa's 2022–2025 corporate plan focused on corridor recovery, infrastructure modernisation and safety. Implementation includes a war room for monthly coordination and a R6bn budget to support infrastructure reconstruction over 3-4 years.

      Is it on the agenda?

      Yes, not only is it a key reform area of Operation Vulindlela 2.0, the president and DoT ministers have reinforced this priority at conferences and public addresses. Additionally, the Select Committee on Public Infrastructure conducted an oversight visit to Prasa in March 2025, with the committee chairperson emphasising corridor restoration as "crucial in reconnecting communities with economic opportunities".

      Goals

      The goal is to restore all 40 priority passenger rail corridors and stations to service after widespread vandalism and theft, particularly during the Covid-19 lockdown. These reforms aim to provide an affordable transport alternative for low-income households, ease traffic congestion and lower transport costs that consume up to 37% of income in the lowest quintile, while supporting urban densification and spatial transformation goals under Operation Vulindlela 2.0.

      Departments / Govt Institutions

      Department of Transport The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) Transnet

      Analyst: Cecilia Schultz
      Status: in-progress
      Last Updated:
      Next Update:
      Got an Update? Follow this reform
      Reform Area:
      Reform:

        If you would like to alert our analysts to an update you are aware of in this particular reform area, please complete the form below and submit it to us. Please ensure you include links to any press releases or other documents to confirm the reforms and provide detail to allow our analysts to assess the changes. Our team will review it.