The Passenger Railway Agency of South Africa in the Western Cape has announced that the Cape Town to Mandalay “blue train” services on the Central Line have been extended to Nolungile station.
This will allow Khayelitsha and Phillippi residents on the Central Line to access our affordable and efficient services at the Phillippi and Nolungile stations as the People’s Train (blue train) will now stop at these stations from Monday, 2nd September 2024.
In a statement, PRASA said this reinstated service aims to improve public transportation in the region, providing more convenient and accessible travel options for commuters.
“The inclusion of Philippi station will further enhance connectivity and reduce travel times for our customers.”
Customers will be able to travel in style with the ‘People’s Train, which comes with on-board safety features. Security and Customer Services Officials are also deployed within the rail space to ensure a safe, comfortable and convenient journey. Some of the blue train’s safety features include:
- CCTV cameras,
- Emergency alarm,
- Priority Seating,
- Smoke Detectors,
- Open Gangway for visibility and
- automated doors that ensure that nobody enters nor exits whilst the train is in transit.
The railway services remain the most affordable form of public transport, with single tickets starting from R9.00 and further discounts of up to 50% are applicable during off-peak (09:30 – 14:30).
PRASA Acting Regional Manager, Mr. Raymond Maseko says that the agency is committed to continually improving its services and expanding its reach to better serve communities.
“this reinstated service is a significant step towards enhancing public transportation in the region.” added Maseko
Commuters on the Central Line can also look forward to the re-introduction of the Chris Hani and Kapteinsklip corridors in the coming months.
This as infrastructure repairs of the OverHead Traction Equipment (OHTE), perway (rail tracks), signalling and station upgrades are underway.
