City of Cape Town Moves Toward Taking Control of Passenger Rail Services to Improve Public Transport

Cape Town is making significant strides in its efforts to take control of the metro’s passenger rail services following a major breakthrough in negotiations with the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa). After months of intense discussions, the City of Cape Town received a signed Service Level Plan (SLP) from Prasa laying the groundwork for a potential transfer of rail services to the municipal level. This move aligns with the city’s broader aim to enhance public transport and integrate it with the development of local infrastructure.

The significance of this shift was underscored by Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, who emphasized that bringing Metrorail under the city’s control is crucial for improving the quality of life for lower-income households. Hill-Lewis noted that a fully functional rail system could save these households a substantial amount of money per annum. Currently, Prasa operates Metrorail as a national service but the National Rail Policy now paves the way for devolving rail control to capable municipalities like Cape Town.

The SLP now in place, it allows the city to oversee key developments such as station upgrades, the introduction of new train sets, and the expansion of service lines. Furthermore, the policy sets out a structure for regular progress reporting, ensuring that Prasa meets performance targets related to revitalizing stations and increasing the number of daily train trips. The City of Cape Town will also support rail services by enhancing transit-oriented development along rail corridors and expediting permits for projects related to the system’s growth.

In parallel, Cape Town has completed a rail feasibility study launched in 2022 which explores three potential ownership models for passenger rail services. The financial implications of these models have been assessed, with the cost of upgrading and expanding the rail network projected at R123 billion over a 30-year period. This scale of investment will require subsidies from the national government and substantial private-sector involvement.

The city’s plans also focus on addressing the growing population and increasing demand for rail services. Specific areas such as the Strand to Bellville line will see capacity increases while new routes, like the Blue Downs line, will be introduced to serve currently underserved areas. The feasibility study’s findings will guide the development of detailed business plans outlining funding strategies, operational management, and the required capital for updating outdated assets.

Mayor Hill-Lewis has expressed confidence that this initiative will transform Cape Town’s rail services, ensuring they are more efficient, accessible, and integrated with the city’s long-term growth strategy. As the city looks toward expanding rail infrastructure, it remains committed to delivering a public transport system that benefits all Capetown citizens, especially those in lower-income communities, while reducing the reliance on less sustainable transport options.