Public transport in South Africa has been struggling for years, and one of the biggest questions that keeps resurfacing is whether PRASA trains will ever return to their former glory.
This week, Transport Minister Barbara Creecy addressed parliament to provide an update on where things currently stand—and it’s clear the journey is far from over.
Why PRASA Trains Fell Out of Use
According to Creecy, the ongoing problem is not a lack of trains, but the relentless cycle of damage, theft, and vandalism that has crippled PRASA’s infrastructure.
Even when trains are refurbished, many can’t be put back into service until the rail lines themselves are restored.
Billions Already Spent on Repairs
Since Creecy took office, PRASA has poured around R2.5 billion into reviving what’s known internally as the “grey-and-yellow rolling stock”—the older generation of trains.
The overall budget for this General Overhaul Project sits at a massive R7.5 billion.
Despite the investment, many coaches are still sitting idle in rail yards, waiting for the tracks to catch up with the repairs.
Old vs New: Where the Trains Will Run
Creecy explained that the refurbished older trains are best suited for rural corridors in provinces like the Eastern and Western Cape.
These lines, however, are mostly owned by Transnet, so PRASA is now in discussions about how to revive and use them.
In contrast, the new “blue-and-white” trains—famously launched by President Cyril Ramaphosa back in 2019—are being rolled out in the big metros where demand is highest.
How Much More Will It Cost?
The Portfolio Committee on Transport was told earlier this year that another R5 billion would be needed to keep the project going.
So far, 272 coaches have been refurbished, with 183 more still waiting for work.
The government is also considering whether some of these trains should be leased to private operators as part of its broader rail reform strategy.
Uncertainty Around Contracts
Perhaps the biggest surprise from Creecy’s update was her revelation that PRASA is seeking legal advice on whether to cancel some of the refurbishment contracts altogether.
While she assured parliament that no final decision has been made, she emphasized that the ultimate goal remains the same: building a rail system that is reliable, affordable, and accessible to South Africans.
The Big Question: Can PRASA Bounce Back?
With billions already spent and billions more required, many South Africans are left wondering—will PRASA ever get back on track?
For now, the answer remains unclear, but the stakes couldn’t be higher for a country where affordable and safe public transport is desperately needed.
