Prasa launches new state-of-the-art trains on Central Line, expands service to Mandalay station
This milestone marks the debut of the "People’s Train" on this route, following crucial upgrades to the electrical and perway infrastructure between Nyanga and Nolungile.
Picture: @Dotransport/X
Lester Kiewit interviews Raymond Maseko, Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) Regional Manager.
Listen below.
Prasa has unveiled its new fleet of blue and white Electric Multiple Units (EMUs) on the Central Line, extending service from Nyanga to Mandalay station in the Western Cape.
This milestone marks the debut of the "People’s Train" on this route, following crucial upgrades to the electrical and perway infrastructure between Nyanga and Nolungile.
The modern EMUs feature advanced amenities, including automated doors, CCTV surveillance, and air-conditioning, designed to provide a comfortable and secure travel experience for all passengers.
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"We are seeing a turn around in terms of the infrastructure being returned, but more than anything else, we are seeing commuters that are returning."
- Raymond Maseko, Regional Manager – Prasa
He highlights that tackling vandalism and theft on the Central Line, including damage to the rails, has been a 'mammoth' challenge.
To address this, contractors have been assigned to every station on the Central Line, except for Langa, which has already been fully restored, says Maseko.
"It is not an easy task."
- Raymond Maseko, Regional Manager – Prasa
Last year, the service transported 13 million passengers, and in the first three months of this financial year alone, the number has already reached five million.
This surge reflects the growing public confidence in the returning service, says Maseko.
"We've been hard at work just ensuring that the product that we are running is fit for purpose."
- Raymond Maseko, Regional Manager – Prasa
From 5am to 9am in the Southern Suburbs, trains currently arrive every 20 minutes.
However, Maseko says that the goal is to reduce this interval to every 10 minutes.
He adds that discounted fares will be offered to encourage the public to experience the trains and test their punctuality.
"Wherever you are on the network in the Western Cape, you should see a train every 10 minutes."
- Raymond Maseko, Regional Manager – Prasa
Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.