Cape Town and government discuss city’s bid to manage commuter rail services
Metrorail would continue to provide the transport service, while the city would maintain and operate the infrastructure
Negotiations between the national government and the City of Cape Town, which could see the metro taking over the management of commuter rail services, are continuing, says transport minister Blade Nzimande. In 2017 Cape Town announced it intended to take over the management of commuter rail to avert the “total collapse” of rail services in the city. Rail is considered the backbone of public transport in Cape Town. The Passenger Rail Agency of SA (Prasa) is responsible for delivering rail services. Its subsidiary, Metrorail, has been under pressure because its rail commuter services have been in a serious state of decline caused by decades of underinvestment, outdated technology, the loss of critical skills, deferred maintenance and corruption.
Responding to a written question in parliament from DA MP Chris Hunsinger, Nzimande said negotiations with the city are continuing. “At the meeting held at the City Lodge, a request was submitted to the minister in terms of section 11(...
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