The Lottery: A South African apt news account
Will there also be a good news story about Metrorail?
PRASA
Two sentenced for tampering with rail infrastructure
Two sentenced for tampering with rail infrastructure
The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) has welcomed the 10-year direct imprisonment of two Zimbabwean nationals for tampering with essential infrastructure.
In a statement on Wednesday, the agency hailed the sentence as a victory and commended its security for apprehending the men.
Namer Ndovu (27) and Collen Singanje (28) received 10-year direct imprisonment sentences each in the Pretoria North Magistrates Court on Tuesday.
“On 21 December 2020, the two were caught at Eskia Mphahlele Drive, in the Wonderboom area by PRASA security guards, with eight pieces of signal copper cables. The PRASA security guards took the two and the cables to the police station to report the matter, where they were arrested and have been in custody since,” the agency said on Wednesday.
In court, they pleaded not guilty to the charges; however, state prosecutor Lufuno Manena was able to prove the state’s case beyond a reasonable doubt.
The state called John Motswaledi, a corporate security investigator at PRASA, who told the court that each cable was valued at R 3000 each, however, the crime committed had an impact of over R300 000, on the company because of what went into replacing and repairing the damage done.
“In aggravation, Prosecutor Manena told the court that damaging infrastructure affects the economy of the country, ordinary citizens, and businesses. He also told the court that under the circumstances, the community needs to be protected by the courts by imposing a stiff sentence, which will deter not only the two but also wannabe suspects.
“Therefore, he asked the court to impose an appropriate sentence to restore trust in the justice system. Magistrate Phogotlhe Motlang agreed with the state,” said PRASA. –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 10/18/2023 - 10:43
304 views
PRASA resumes train service in Gqeberha
PRASA resumes train service in Gqeberha
The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) has announced the resumption of passenger train services between Uitenhage and Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape.
The service, which returned on Monday, 16 October 2023, runs in the morning and afternoon and costs a flat fee of R9.
“The resumption of service is a welcome relief to commuters seeking an affordable mode of transport. Our teams are on the ground to ensure that the service is as smooth as possible. The Gqeberha-Uitenhage area is one of our most important regions,” PRASA Group CEO Hishaam Emeran said on Tuesday.
PRASA received a no-objection certificate from the Railway Safety Regulator prior to opening the service to the public. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 10/18/2023 - 10:48
108 views
How complaints against judges are handled needs to change
The Judicial Service Commission’s failings threaten judicial accountability and independence
Almost 4,000 households still to be moved off Cape Town railway land
While plans for temporary relocation of 891 households occupying the Central Line are making progress, thousands of households remain on the railway
#UniteBehind takes PRASA and transport minister to court
The organisation argues the state has a statutory and constitutional duty to devolve rail to the City of Cape Town
Work underway to recover Germiston to Joburg rail line
Work underway to recover Germiston to Joburg rail line
The Gauteng Infrastructure team is working on recovering the Germiston to Johannesburg rail line following the collapse of a footbridge, said the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA).
Two pedestrians were reported to be injured when the steel footbridge collapsed on Wednesday. They were taken to a nearby hospital.
“This work follows the removal of parts of the bridge and debris from the perway/main tracks. The remaining parts of the bridge and debris will be removed today,” the agency said on Thursday.
The team started the recovery work on Wednesday evening, working into the early hours of Thursday morning.
PRASA said it is pleased with the progress made in recovering the infrastructure so it can resume services, which is expected within the next 24-48 hours.
An investigation into what led to the collapse is underway. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 10/05/2023 - 13:00
370 views
Conflict over land for rail line occupiers
Traditional leaders say the land is used for Xhosa initiation rituals
Stakeholders to engage on railway safety practices at conference
Stakeholders to engage on railway safety practices at conference
The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) will this week take centre stage at the International Rail Safety Council (IRSC) conference through the presentation of several papers on railway safety, with a key priority on the revitalisation of passenger rail in the country.
The IRSC, a forum of railway safety practitioners and professionals, is renowned for its global reach and in-depth exchange of ideas and experiences for improving rail safety globally.
“We are confident that this conference will inspire all to double their efforts in making railways safety a top priority,” PRASA Group CEO Hishaam Emeran said on Sunday.
PRASA has assumed the mantle of the main sponsor of the IRSC 2023 Annual Conference, taking place at Century City, Cape Town, from 01 – 06 October 2023, under the theme “Reshaping railways in an uncertain world.”
PRASA has expressed excitement to be collaborating with the council this year and are proud that the conference is back in South Africa.
“This partnership reflects our commitment to railway safety. Safer railways make it possible for operators to maintain this mode of transport as one of the safest and most affordable,” Emeran said.
PRASA, through its Asiphephe campaign, commits to a culture of safety across its rail network and operations.
“By sponsoring this conference, we seek to contribute to raising awareness about the importance of railway safety not only within our industry but also among the wider public. The ability to engage with industry leaders and professionals, and forge new partnerships at the event, is a positive step for PRASA as we rebuild and revitalize the passenger rail network,” the agency said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Mon, 10/02/2023 - 09:19
189 views
Pretoria-Kempton Park PRASA service resumes
Pretoria-Kempton Park PRASA service resumes
The commuter rail service from Pretoria to Kempton Park has resumed its commercial service, bringing the number of recovered lines by the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) to 20.
Commuters can now save on their travel costs, as a trip from Pretoria to Kempton Park costs just R9.50, while Pretoria to Germiston is R11.50, and Pretoria to Olifanstfontein at R8.50.
“The resumption of this service takes us a step closer towards running the service between the three big metros in Gauteng. Soon, trains will be running from Pretoria to Ekurhuleni, and all the way to Johannesburg Park Station, reflecting the interconnectedness between our metros,” PRASA Group CEO, Hishaam Emeran, said.
Thursday’s resumption of the commercial service followed the necessary permit from the Railway Safety Regulator. The agency introduced the service with the new modern high-tech trains from Pretoria to Kempton Park, with a service available from Kempton Park to Germiston station at both peak and off-peak.
The affordable services are expected to ease the burden of travel costs on commuters, many of whom are from the lower LSM groups, spending up to 40% of their household income on transport.
PRASA said it has gained ground in its efforts to rebuild passenger rail corridors and move commuters on the new blue modern trains, Isitimela Sabantu.
To date, 20 lines have been recovered out of 40, with trains now running on 26 operational lines in Gauteng, Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.
The organisation has made significant progress in rehabilitating vandalised stations, with a total of 230 stations refurbished to basic functionality.
“The number of reopened lines and those earmarked for reopening tells the story of solid progress in returning passenger rail to its rightful place as the future backbone of public transport. By the end of this financial year, PRASA will have recovered 80% of the passenger rail corridors and lines, while bringing to our people a modernized passenger train experience,” Emeran said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Fri, 09/29/2023 - 09:27
70 views
Commuters struggle with transport costs as Metrorail central line remains closed
Some workers are spending half their wage to commute because trains aren’t running
Protesters conclude three-day protest outside Parliament
Activists are demanding Parliament take action against Sfiso Buthelezi over allegations of corruption when he was chairperson of PRASA
Protest at Parliament goes ahead after last-minute deal with City of Cape Town
Activist organisation #UniteBehind wants MPs to fire former PRASA chair Sfiso Buthelezi
Cape Town proceeds with rail dispute despite President’s assurances
Cyril Ramaphosa has told Parliament rail devolution is on track. The City of Cape Town disagrees.
Mfuleni pensioners say they’ve been overlooked for housing
The City of Cape Town says it has followed a fair and independent process and consulted a community committee
Zackie Achmat To Lead Action Against Corruption
Activist organisations express frustration at lack of action against corruption-accused Member of Parliament Sfiso Buthelezi
PRASA promises full service on Cape Town’s Northern Line by December
“Our people have suffered enough since trains have stopped working” says unionist
Families living on Cape Town railway line to be moved in two weeks
SCOPA chair tells ministers and mayor to get on with it
PRASA spends R2.1 billion on rail infrastructure in Gauteng
PRASA spends R2.1 billion on rail infrastructure in Gauteng
The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) has spent R2.1 billion in recovering the rail infrastructure in Gauteng to date.
“PRASA is making significant progress in rebuilding the passenger rail infrastructure and refurbishing vandalised stations. Today, PRASA has recovered 18 corridors, with seven corridors now operational in Gauteng with the new Electrical Motor Units, Istimela Sabantu,” Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga said on Monday.
She was addressing the launch of the Leralla-Germiston line, which cost under R600 million in rebuilding and rehabilitating the line that first ran commercially on 6 July and now carries 10 000 people daily.
The rehabilitation included the six stations the train stops at, the overhead electrical cables that power the trains and the substations that feed power to the network. The train stops at Leralla, Limindlela, Tembisa, Kempton Park, Rhodesfield and Germiston stations.
“R28 million was invested in refurbishing the stations; R292 million spent on the overhead cables, and R276 million spent on the substations. R44 million was spent to rehabilitate and restore the Elandsfontein substation,” Chikunga said.
The Minister said work is in progress to extend the service from Germiston all the way to Johannesburg Park Station, with a total budget of R130 million allocated to this project.
“Our interventions to restore urban passenger rail services aim to ensure that the return of passenger rail to the city is sustainable. The plans are part of our wider strategy to improve passenger rail services across South Africa and make rail a safe, reliable, and affordable mode of transport.
“Through PRASA’s Capital projects, we will ensure that PRASA continues to invest in local communities and boost local economies by creating job opportunities. We are pleased to announce that 191 jobs were created in this project, with 15 young women under the age of 35 employed, 3 women with disabilities and 21 women over the age of 35. Four Small, Medium and Micro enterprises (SMMEs) from local communities benefited from this project,” she said.
The Minister said it is also prudent that the informal economy benefits from the railway stations and the access they provide to people.
“The Germiston station is one of our biggest intermodal facilities in Gauteng, with taxis and buses feeding into the station, thus supporting a vibrant informal economy where informal traders can ply their trade and sell their wares to passengers and people from surrounding areas.
“The micro-economic activities at the Germiston station clearly demonstrate the role of intermodal facilities in providing transport solutions, convenience, accessibility, and economic opportunities.
“The increase of patronage numbers is vital to the sustainable livelihoods of informal traders and commuters at large who rely on this affordable mode of transport. Plans are in place to regain patronage numbers, including the rebuilding of critical stations for commuters to access the trains,” Chikunga said.
PRASA’s national resignaling programme will ensure that the organization increases the frequency of trains while ensuring the safe passage of our new modern trains and safety for our passengers.
“We are also pleased to announce that since the implementation of PRASA’s integrated security plan, we have seen a reduction of security related incidences in the PRASA environment by 75%.
“Recently, PRASA’s Protection Officers were declared Peace Officers under the Criminal Procedures Act, giving them more law enforcement powers, similar to the police, including powers to arrest. We would like to congratulate all the 286 PRASA Peace Officers who are now trained in Criminal Law and Law in General, amongst many other modules,” the Minister said.
Additionally to the Peace Officer Status, PRASA’s Protection Officers are multiskilled in Armed Response, platform marshalling, CCTV monitoring, and many more.
Their deployment areas include on board the trains, staging yards, rail infrastructure, supported by the SAPS Railway Police and Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department. –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Mon, 08/28/2023 - 13:45
137 views
PRASA introduces current Electric Motor Units on the KwaMashu to Durban corridor
PRASA introduces new Electric Motor Units on the KwaMashu to Durban corridor
The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) has reached another milestone with the approval to run a commercial service with the new Electric Motor Units on the KwaMashu to Durban corridor.
With this service, commuters on the KwaMashu Corridor can look forward to the built-in safety features that come with the new trains such as on-board CCTV cameras, an anti- crash system, wider doors that allow for easy entry and exit and air-conditioning.
The Voice Alert and Information Display Systems will ensure that commuters get off at the right destination.
In a statement on Friday, PRASA announced that following a No-Objection certificate from the Railway Safety Regulator RSR), the new, blue and white modern trains, popularly known as Isitimela Sabantu, will be running on the KwaMashu Corridor between Dalbridge and Bridge City from Friday, 25 August 2023 during off-peak.
The blue and white trains are already running on the Southern Corridor between Durban and Umbogintwini and Durban to Cato Ridge lines.
“The phased rollout of the Electric Motor Units on the recovered corridors is part of PRASA's wider strategy to modernize and improve passenger rail services across South Africa and make rail a safe, reliable, and affordable mode of transport.
“These trains are the most advanced passenger trains in the country and they significantly improve the passenger experience,” PRASA Group CEO Hishaam Emeran said.
Peak services on the KwaMashu Corridor with the new trains will be announced soon, subject to RSR approval.
Plans are also underway to recover the Durban to Crossmoor and Durban to Pinelands services in this financial year. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Fri, 08/25/2023 - 10:29
533 views
Survey reveals massive decline in rail passengers over the last ten years
The number of Metrorail passenger journeys have dropped by 46-million since 2013, but gains have been made over the last year
PRASA prioritises full recovery of commuter rail services
PRASA prioritises full recovery of commuter rail services
The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) has reiterated that the full recovery of commuter rail services nationally is a top priority.
“Considerable progress has been made in restoring commuter services nationally, with 18 corridors recovered nationally, and 16 corridors prioritized for recovery in this financial year,” PRASA said on Friday.
Eight lines have been recovered in the Western Cape region, with six of these lines in operation with the new Electric Motor Units, otherwise known Isitimela Sabantu.
Trains are running on the Central, Southern and Northern corridors, stopping at 88 stations out of 121 stations in the province.
Five corridors in the Western Cape have been earmarked for recovery in this financial year - Nyanga to Philippi; Philippi to Chris Hani; and Philippi to Kapteinsklip; Bellville to Strand; and Cape Town to Muldersvlei.
“We are making steady progress in recovering these lines. PRASA’s interventions to restore and sustain urban passenger rail services aim to ensure that the return of passenger rail to the city is sustainable.
“The plans are part of PRASA's wider strategy to improve passenger rail services across South Africa and make rail a safe, reliable, and affordable mode of transport,” the agency said.
The plans to improve passenger train services for the City of Cape Town include:
- Increasing the number of trains running on the Cape Town rail network.
- Improving the frequency of trains, through the recovery of signalling.
- Upgrading of train stations.
- Building on the gains in the safety and security of passengers by investing in security and facilities management.
In line with its secondary mandate, PRASA has already contributed to the socio- economic fabric of the mother city with the new multi-use development at the Cape Town Station.
“Together with improvements in the train service, these activities will improve the quality of life for commuters in the city, create jobs, and boost the city’s economy.
“The number of reopened lines and those earmarked for reopening tells the story of solid progress in returning passenger rail to its rightful place as the backbone of public transport in the Western Cape.
“Residents of the city have welcomed the return of the services on several lines, including parts of the all-important Central Line. The recovery and rebuild programme is a priority that PRASA has shared with its stakeholders including parliamentary committees that we have been invited to,” the agency said.
PRASA expressed confidence that it will deliver on its plans given its turnaround momentum.
The latest StatsSA Land Transport survey shows continued strong demand for passenger rail transport.
According to the latest Stats SA Land Transport Survey, the year-on-year demand for passenger services, albeit from a low base, increased by 215% year-on-year.
“Our On-Time performance and Customer Satisfaction Index show gradual improvement. PRASA attends regular meetings at which developments that affect the delivery of train services in Cape Town are discussed.
“These meetings are in line with the provisions of the National Land Transport Act (NLTA) and are designed to keep the City and the Province informed of developments within PRASA. PRASA reiterates its plans and programmes to revitalize passenger train services in Cape Town at these meetings,” the agency said.
The Railway Steering Sub Committee meetings, which is a structure set up in terms of the National Land Transport Act (NLTA), provides a platform for regular updates on the state of the service.
PRASA, the City of Cape Town and Western Cape Departments of Infrastructure and Mobility are also members of an intergovernmental structure for relocating illegal occupants on the Central Line.
PRASA said it will continue to work closely with the City of Cape Town and the Provincial Government during the rebuild and recovery of its infrastructure and services.
“PRASA believes that the shared goal with the city of fully restoring the rail network and train services should remain the top priority between the two entities. Through the various intergovernmental structures and committees, we have full confidence in mutual cooperation and collaboration we share with the City of Cape Town and Western Cape Government for us to deliver on our promises to restore passenger rail services in the province,” PRASA said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Fri, 08/25/2023 - 10:47
48 views
Axed PRASA board chair goes back to court
Leonard Ramatlakane argues that if he did anything wrong it was minor and unintentional
Mayor threatens President with formal dispute process over rail services
PRASA has snubbed City of Cape Town’s attempts to take over management of Metrorail