Cape Town, South Africa – Ms. Mina Lesoma, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Transport, has expressed her satisfaction with the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa’s (PRASA) announcement regarding the resumption of long-distance rail passenger services. PRASA revealed that the services would connect Johannesburg with Cape Town and Durban, marking a significant development for intercity travel.
According to Parliament of South Africa, in her statement, Ms. Lesoma highlighted the timely nature of this development and encouraged communities to embrace the service. She emphasized PRASA’s responsibility to ensure efficient and reliable operations, fostering a preference for rail travel among passengers.
Simultaneously, Ms. Lesoma extended condolences to the families affected by recent road accidents in the Eastern Cape and Limpopo, where several fatalities were reported. She juxtaposed the unfortunate incidents with the positive impact of the resumed rail service, particularly its potential to offer affordable travel options and stimulate local tourism.
Ms. Lesoma underlined the strategic importance of this rail service, suggesting it could alleviate pressure on road networks while ensuring safer travel for families, friends, and relatives. She advocated for rail to become a preferred mode of transportation, especially for interprovincial journeys, highlighting its benefits in terms of safety and convenience.
The resumption of PRASA’s long-distance rail service is expected to play a crucial role in enhancing South Africa’s transportation infrastructure, offering a viable alternative to road travel and supporting the nation’s tourism sector.