City of Cape Town to manage rail network? 'It will be a huge boost for the city!'

Lester Kiewit interviews Nathan Geffen, Editor of GroundUp.

Listen below (skip to 5:19)

GroundUp argues that passenger rail, which should be the backbone of Cape Town’s public transport system, has been in steady decline under the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa)’s management over the past decade, with passenger trips plummeting by 92% since the 2012/13 financial year.

According to Prasa's figures, Cape Town's rail network saw 172 million passenger trips in 2012/13, but this figure dropped to just 13 million in 2023/24.

An investigation into the feasibility of the City of Cape Town running the local rail network, instead of Prasa, suggests that the City could not only restore the rail service to its 2012 levels but also expand it by building new lines.

GroundUp further argues that effective management of the 48 hectares of leasable land currently controlled by Prasa could transform many of the dilapidated train stations into vibrant hubs, offering office spaces, residential units, and businesses.

"Of course all of this is contingent on the City being able to, in some way or another, take over or manage the railway network."

- Nathan Geffen, Editor – GroundUp

Geffen says this transformation is possible, provided the national government or Prasa are willing to allow it, given the high demand for better rail infrastructure due to Cape Town’s underperforming and unreliable railway system.

He adds that if the City successfully implements this plan, it could significantly increase rail usage, helping to reduce traffic congestion on the city’s roads.

"It will just be a huge boost for the city."

- Nathan Geffen, Editor – GroundUp

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.

City of Cape Town to manage rail network? 'It will be a huge boost for the city!' – GroundUp

An investigation into the feasibility of the City running the local rail network suggests that they could not only restore the rail service to its 2012 levels but also expand it by building new lines.