This week, Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy gave a long overdue update on the status of PRASA trains. Responding to a Q&A session in parliament, she attributed the disuse of PRASA trains to on-going damage, theft and vandalism of key infrastructure.
Since taking office, the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa has spent R2.5 billion on overhauling old-generation PRASA trains. Referred to internally as ‘grey-and-yellow rolling stock,’ the General Overhaul Project budget is R7.5 billion.
INOPERABLE PRASA TRAINS
However, the PRASA says it still needs to refurbish railway lines where the old fleet can be used, reports IOL. Some of the old PRASA trains have been seen in rural areas of the Eastern and Western Cape.
“The old fleet is best utilised in corridors that are mainly outside the metros, which are mostly owned by Transnet. And the latest fleet (blue-and-white rolling stock) are being used within the major metros. Therefore, we’re in discussion with Transnet on the recovery of these outside lines,” said Creecy.
HOW MUCH HAS BEEN SPENT?
Earlier this year, the Portfolio Committee on Transport heard that a further R5 billion needs to be spent on the project. Minister Creecy revealed that 272 coaches have been refurbished to date and a further 183 coaches require work. Moreover, the department is assessing whether to use these coaches internally, or it may choose to lease them to private companies as part of its rail reform plan.
However, the minister also admitted to another bombshell in the Q&A session. She revealed that the rail agency was ‘seeking legal advice’ on cancelling contracts for the remainder of the refurbishment project. “No decision has been made yet that will impact our long-term goals of rebuilding a reliable, affordable, and accessible public rail system,” Creecy concluded.
DO YOU THINK PRASA WILL EVER GET UP AND RUNNING AGAIN?
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