PRASA’S NEW STATIONS

Posted on 25 July 2010

The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) upgraded a number of stations around the country to handle thousands of people going to the various city stadiums during the Soccer World Cup event. All were opened in good time. According to Prasa CEO Lucky Montana: “Modern developments optimise the revolutionary work being undertaken at stations across the country, the result of which I believe will bring a renewed sense of pride to South Africa. An entirely new and aesthetically pleasing design has been applied to the key stations, creating a safe and satisfying transport hub for all to enjoy.” The upgrades were aimed at enhancing the commuting experience through improving the general physical environment, safety, security and hygiene of stations.

The refurbished stations include:

JOANNESBURG:

• New Canada and Nasrec (R90 million);
• Ellis Park and Doornfontein (R77 million);
• Orlando (R70 million).

PRETORIA:

• Loftus and Bel Ombre (R20 million);

DURBAN:

• KwaMyandu and KwaMashu (R50 million).
• Reunion (R6 million).

CAPE TOWN:

• Athlone, Heideveld and Langa (R60 million).

PORT ELIZABETH:

• North End (R16 million).

“One of the reasons rail use has declined over the years,” Montana suggests, “maybe because people felt it was unsafe. However; a safe and effective public rail transport system was paramount to the success of the Fifa World Cup. This is why Prasa has spent over R160 million to bring back railway police. We knew we’d done our job when fans stepped off our trains with a smile, took advantage of all the wonderful facilities at our stations and enjoyed a gentle five minute stroll to their seats in the stadium”.

[ Prasa boasted its 5-minute-walk-to-all-the-stadiums claim in widely distributed publicity handouts, all specifically including Cape Town. “A gentle 5-minute stroll” to Green Point did stretch credulity somewhat: the official distance from the station is 2.6km. – editor