South Africa – With the reintroduction of the long-distance passenger train service, the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) has noted some challenges that may affect the service and has outlined its commitment to address them .
“The country is currently facing a shortage of locomotives, and some of those available are unreliable .
This may result in delays and, in some cases, even cancellations .
Contingency plans are in place for trips on all four corridors where the MLPS [Mainline Passenger Services ] service operates,” PRASA said on Thursday .
The agency said the condition and quality of the infrastructure have been a concern and may impact the travel experience .
“Despite these challenges, PRASA remains steadfast in its commitment to reviving the long-distance service .
PRASA plans to ensure access to locomotives and improve the infrastructure quality and availability in conjunction with our sister agency, Transnet .
“PRASA believes acknowledging and addressing challenges openly is essential to rebuilding and maintaining trust in our service .
We know that long-distance travel via rail is the most affordable .
During this phase of reintroducing the MLPS service, PRASA will provide regular updates on our progress and actively seek feedback from our passengers and other stakeholders,” the agency said .
Amid these challenges, passenger safety remains its top priority .
“PRASA has implemented enhanced safety and security protocols to improve passenger safety on our trains .
Our MLPS trains will have visible security on board the trains and at platforms to ensure all passengers feel safe .
“Passenger feedback will be critical as we accelerate the roll-out of the MLPS service and shape its future .
We call on our passengers to share their experiences, concerns, and suggestions .
“PRASA is committed to delivering a service that meets the expectations of its stakeholders, especially passengers .
The resumption of the MLPS service is a critical step in PRASA’s recovery of all aspects of passenger rail .
The agency is determined to deliver a reliable, safe, comfortable long-distance train experience,” it said .
Earlier this month, the agency announced that the long-distance MLPS under its rail division had resumed the Johannesburg to Durban and Cape Town services on the Shosholoza Meyl .
The services were both suspended in 2021 due to operational and network infrastructure challenges .
As an entity of the Department of Transport (DoT), PRASA is the sole state-owned entity responsible for providing long-distance and urban passenger rail services and intercity bus services at the behest of the DoT .
–SAnews .
gov .
za
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