Creecy dismisses calls to devolve passenger rail services: ‘SA doesn’t need nine PRASAs’

Babalo Ndenze

Babalo Ndenze

16 July 2024 | 6:52

Creecy’s dismissal came amid calls from the DA for the devolution of rail networks to local authorities like metros because of the collapse of the country’s passenger rail network under PRASA.

CAPE TOWN - Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy has dismissed calls to devolve passenger rail services, saying the country can't have Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASAs) for each province.

Creecy tabled the department's budget vote in Parliament on Monday.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has called for the devolution of rail networks from PRASA to local authorities like metros.

The party said this is because of the collapse of the country’s passenger rail network under PRASA.

However, Creecy said there is a draft devolution strategy, and they agree that metros and provinces should have a say over transport planning.

“The question we have to look at is the affordability and what we don’t need in this country is nine PRASAs. 

“We will have to look at practicalities [and] affordability. I’m told that internationally it’s not normal to devolve railway practices."

Creecy said PRASA is continuing to reopen passenger rail lines across the country, with 28 out of 40 priority lines now being fully operational.

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