Hishaam Emeran Outlines PRASA’s Recovery, Sustainability and Regional Integration at SARA CEO Think Tank

During the recent Southern African Railways Association (SARA) CEO think tank panel, Hishaam Emeran, Group Chief Executive Officer of the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA), reflected on the organisation’s recovery journey, its sustainability mandate, and the importance of regional integration for the future of rail.

Progress in Recovery

Emeran noted that PRASA’s recovery is ongoing but highlighted significant progress. Of the agency’s 40 corridors, 35 have been restored to service, although many still require signalling systems to be reinstated. Current services are not yet at the desired peak frequency of one train every five minutes, but passenger confidence has returned where corridors are operational.

He reported that passenger numbers have doubled year on year. In 2023, PRASA transported 39 million trips, increasing to 77 million in 2024. The target for 2025 is 116 million. He added that annual customer satisfaction surveys demonstrate growing confidence, showing both strengths and areas needing improvement. Over the past three years, PRASA has executed its capital programme at 100 percent, investing more than R53 billion. This has enabled the return of corridors and the rollout of modern trains on more than 90 percent of the network.

Sustainability Over Profitability

Emeran emphasised that passenger rail is not designed to operate at a profit but must be managed sustainably with subsidy support, as is the case globally. Sustainability depends on achieving sufficient volumes, with long-term targets of 350 to 400 million passenger trips per year.

He explained that the focus should be on the wider economic benefits of rail rather than ticket revenues alone. Citing international studies, he noted that every rand invested in public transport generates a return of three to four times the investment, with even higher returns likely in developing countries.

Emeran highlighted the impact on household income. In South Africa, 40 to 50 percent of household income is currently spent on transport, which is unsustainable. In countries with efficient rail systems, the share drops to between 5 and 8 percent. He said that commuters are already seeing savings, with monthly rail tickets costing R350–R400 compared with R1,000–R1,500 previously spent on other transport modes.

Rebuilding Passenger Confidence

Emeran underlined the importance of passenger trust, noting that PRASA has strengthened customer engagement through surveys and services linked to major events. He described these initiatives as successful in demonstrating rail’s value as a sustainable, affordable transport option that contributes to social cohesion.

Regional and Industrial Integration

Emeran stressed that rail’s role is defined by national policy as the backbone of South Africa’s transport system. While not the only mode, it plays a central part in integration and distribution. He said that discussions about passenger rail must focus on sustainability and economic benefit, distinguishing it from the commercial model applied to freight.

On regional cooperation, Emeran pointed to the SADC rail master plan as a key framework for harmonising standards, policies, and strategies. He explained that South Africa’s domestic rail master plan is already advanced, mapping key corridors and hubs, and that strong national planning strengthens regional coordination.

Rolling Stock Manufacturing Hub

Emeran also highlighted PRASA’s flagship rolling stock project at the Gibela factory in Nigel, which provides South Africa with local train manufacturing capacity. The African Union has recognised the facility as a continental hub for rolling stock production. Emeran stressed that this recognition must now translate into action by aligning African rolling stock requirements with existing manufacturing capabilities. He added that Africa not only has the capacity to produce new trains but also to refurbish existing locomotives and coaches.

From Strategy to Implementation

Emeran concluded by stressing that regional cooperation must move beyond discussions into implementable strategies. The concept of hubs, both operational and industrial, is critical, and the SADC rail master plan offers a path to coordinated action. He stated that harmonisation and implementation will be essential for building a sustainable, integrated passenger rail system across Southern Africa.