The Mitchell’s Plain United Residents Association says it is pleased by the outcome of Friday’s meeting with PRASA, regarding the resumption of train services in the area and surrounding communities.
The meeting was attended by law enforcement agencies and all transport authorities.
The rail agency has committed that one train track will be operational by the end of July. This will bring an alternative mode of transport to thousands of commuters. The aim is to hereby reduce transport costs and decrease the high volume of traffic on roads.
READ MORE: Plans for more Central Line train stations to operate by July
MURA’s Michael Jacobs explained that having an alternative mode of transport, would be of great benefit to residents. The line forms part of Cape Town’s Central Line , which is slowly regaining momentum after train services on the track were halted back in 2019.
SERVICE TO BE FULLY RESTORED BY SEPTEMBER
“So the first time frame is for one track, by the end of July 2024 and then to have a fully functional train service on both lines, on both tracks, by the end of September 2024. This is pending that they’ve sorted out the Philippi line, which runs from Nyanga to Philippi, and then to Mitchell’s Plain. While we feel the goal is very ambitious, we, as a community are very happy,” said Jacobs.
READ MORE: The resumption of train services in Mitchell’s Plain
REHABILITATION OF ALL TRAIN OPERATIONS
He added it’s a relief to know that train lines are being rehabilitated and that stations are being refurbished. Last week, Mitchell’s Plain CPF chair noted that this will also help to create jobs in the area.
“It brings another alternative to our communities, whose pockets have been hard-hit by paying a huge amount for public transport on buses and taxis. So if the trains operate on both lines by September, that means people will then spend less money on transport. We have been guaranteed that there will be security on the trains. The trains won’t leave until the security guards are onboard the trains,” added Jacobs.
