PRASA promises operational train services in Mitchell’s Plain by June

The residents' associations in Mitchell’s Plain have welcomed the progress of train stations such as Lentegeur, which has stood dormant for years, as PRASA promises to deliver train services to the masses in that district, including Kapteinsklip and Nyanga, by the end of June. They have also called for safety protocols to be enforced.

PRASA, Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa’s spokesperson, Zinobulani Mihi told Cape Argus that the finishing touches were being added to the  stations around the Western Cape but that test runs were vital in the operations of the trains.

“Regarding our Project Plans, we are planning to run test trains by the end of June and run a commercial service once the Rail Safety Regulator (RSR) has given us the green light to operate,” Mihi detailed.

 “PRASA in the Western Cape is only able to respond on the following: 

 “Regarding the recovery of the Kapteinsklip line, please find the time-lines below:

 “Network Readiness: Perway (between Nyanga and Nolungile,  we have completed all the track work. We will just add additional Ballast Stone as well as run the On Track Machines.

“A contractor is on site and busy with Completing the OHTE (Overhead Traction Equipment) “The planned completion of the 1st line is planned for the 1st week in June.

“Station Readiness: Lentegeur, (Mitchell's Plain) functionality is complete and Station is ready “Mitchell’s Plain, functionality is complete and Station is ready.

“Kapteinsklip - functionality is complete and the Station is ready.

 “All the above stations are ready for operational use. The Contractors will still be on the stations to complete Snags and complete other outstanding work as per the contract.

“Regarding our Project Plans, we are planning to run test trains by the end of June 2025 and run a commercial service once the Rail Safety Regulator (RSR) has given us the green light to operate.”

Michael Jacobs of the MURA, Mitchell’s Plain United Residents Association visited the site at Lentegeur station to monitor the progress and said safety measures on trains was vital and that the deadline was to be met but was happy with the outcome thus far: “We are at Lentegeur Railway Station after having a meeting with PRASA in April at Athlone Civic and we are coming to see the progress that was made as a promise was made to the Mitchell’s Plain community that the trains would be up and running by July."

“We see that there is a lot of activity, they are still refurbishing the station but it seems the plans are going quite well.

“We do not only want the trains to ride, we want it to be safe. We want it to be so safe so that when people take a journey they can say they feel safe and that when they disembark there they can go to their work places.

Brett Herron, GOOD Secretary-General said it was vital to get the train services back to the people in a media statement he issued this week.

“The Service Level Plan should address: Recovery of the historically successful rail network; future investment to expand the network; operational management of the service; ⁠strategic investments to leverage public land for development; and ⁠commuter rights and needs, including universal access for people living with disabilities. From what emerged today, Cape Town’s plan covers none of those bases.”

Cape Argus