City of Cape Town hoping to take railway business plan to national government in December

Cape Town is exploring taking control of its urban rail system from national government, with a new business plan outlining potential local management and private-sector concessions.

The plan follows the white paper from 2022's National Rail Policy, which allows for devolution of passenger rail functions.

Cape Town began its feasibility study before the policy, aiming to determine what local management would involve.

The business plan has been tabled with the portfolio committee, and full council approval is expected in December when it's hoped discussions with national government will take place.

Rob Quintas, the City of Cape Town's Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility, stressed that local oversight is key for an integrated public transport system.

He said that despite recent improvements in Metrorail operations, local control remains critical. “There has been a noticeable improvement, but it’s not where it should be, not by a long shot,”

The City plans to involve the private sector through concessions rather than direct management, balancing efficiency with affordability.

"Whether we go into a partnership with PRASA and an operator... that conversation is going to play out over time once we start discussing the nitty gritty and the minutiae with national government, that is certainly going to be front of mind in terms of addressing the needs of our commuters."

Passenger rail must remain accessible for working-class families and low-income households, Quintas said.

To hear Rob Quintas in conversation with John Maytham on CapeTalk's Afternoon Drive show, click here: