LONG DISTANCE PASSENGER TRAINS BACK IN SA

Long-distance train services between Cape Town and Johannesburg, as well as Durban and Johannesburg, are back.

This was announced by the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa).

The idea behind the relaunch of the long-haul passenger trains is to give families and groups that usually travel by taxi or bus the chance to travel at a cheaper rate.

A single economy one-way ticket from Joburg to Durban will cost R170, while the same ticket between Joburg and Cape Town will cost R430.

During the festive season and other peak seasons, the trains will run once a week. Dining and entertainment coaches are also available to keep passengers busy.

Prasa and Transnet have joined forces to fix the once-dilapidated coaches. When ready, more trips will be added to the schedule.

In 2020 and 2021 Prasa made the decision to suspend the long-haul passenger train service due to the state-owned entity facing operational challenges.

Top Auto reports that many of the stations and rail lines were vandalised or stolen during the Covid-19 pandemic which led to Prasa having to ferry passengers by bus from one stop to the next, completely defeating its purpose.

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