Mitchells Plain train service resumes after 6 years

After a six-year disruption, railway services resumed in Mitchells Plain, and the Kapteinsklip line was officially reopened on Monday.

PRASA’s Western Cape Regional Manager, Raymond Maseko, said services came to a halt in 2020 due to severe vandalism and infrastructure damage, and the establishment of an informal settlement along the route.

He added that security has been a major concern and additional measures have been implemented, such as the deployment of security personnel and the installation of CCTV cameras in trains and at stations. 

“We are also working with the City of Cape Town to improve the lighting for commuters.”

Maseko explained that the line is operating at a reduced frequency, with trains running every 30 minutes, compared to the usual 10-minute interval.

He said that while the service is limited, it is a significant step towards restoring the central line to its former glory.

“We are working to get the line to each station, when we take the train from Kaptein all the way to Cape Town without transferring at any station.”

To listen to Maseko in conversation with CapeTalk’s Lester Kiewit, use the audio player below: