Hill-Lewis: Devolution of Cape Town's rail system a huge milestone

Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis said the adoption of the city's business plan to take over the rail system from the national government is a huge milestone.

The city council has given the mayor the go-ahead to approach the national government to begin the process of devolving passenger rail to the metro.

The Democratic Alliance (DA)-led Western Cape government has been pushing for the devolution of passenger rail services to local government for several years.

Widespread theft of copper cables and vandalism of infrastructure, as well as train carriages, have crippled parts of the network.
 
The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) is reviving the city's rail network through its Central Line recovery project and its already reopened service to sections of Khayelitsha and Mitchell's Plain. 

Hill-Lewis said Capetonians deserve a more affordable and reliable public transport service.

"Devolution is one of the critical first steps in a long-term vision to massively scale up passenger numbers and see many more Capetonians using public transport with new train sets, new routes, upgraded stations, and to develop those station precincts with affordable housing around them over the years ahead."