Restore passenger rail services

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.

September 15, 2025

Devolution of Commuter Rail Strategy

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.

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Complete the rolling stock modernisation programme

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of passenger rail recovery, centred on a R51bn contract for manufacturing 3,600 coaches (600 trains) to replace outdated trains and technnology.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…

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Develop a roadmap for passenger rail including a strategy to manage devolution to capable local and regional authorities

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.

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Return passenger rail corridors and stations to service

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…

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