Minister Sileku experiences return of passenger rail to the Garden Route

Western Cape Minister of Mobility, Isaac Sileku, yesterday (12 July 2026) joined residents on a heritage passenger train journey from George to Great Brak River, marking the return of passenger rail to the line for the first time in 16 years.

The initiative by Ceres Rail Company attracted strong public support, with all four weekend trips sold out. Each trip carried approximately 350 passengers along the 35-kilometre route, offering residents and visitors the opportunity to experience rail travel through the Garden Route once again.

Welcoming the return of passenger rail, Minister Sileku said the strong public response demonstrates the important role rail can play in connecting communities, supporting tourism and providing residents with affordable transport options.

"It is fantastic to see trains back on these tracks and residents embracing the opportunity to travel by rail again. Strong rail connections can bring towns closer together, support local economies, improve access to opportunities and attract more visitors to our rural communities.”

Rick Botha, Managing Director of Ceres Rail Company, said the successful return of passenger rail to the Garden Route followed years of planning and collaboration.

"Running passenger trains from George for the first time in 16 years was the culmination of a multi-year process to secure all the necessary approvals, particularly with Transnet Freight Rail and Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager. We are grateful for their support and for the progress being made to bring rail in South Africa back to life. The positive strides made in recent years are significant and will have a lasting impact. We look forward to growing rail in the Western Cape, welcoming more residents aboard, and continuing to explore new opportunities to bring rail back to life.”

While the heritage trips have now concluded, Minister Sileku encouraged residents to continue supporting rail initiatives, noting that strong public demand helps demonstrate the case for future services.

"The more residents use and support train services, the stronger the case for bringing more passenger rail services back to the Western Cape. We remain committed to restoring rail as the backbone of our public transport system, and every successful rail journey brings us one step closer to that goal."

The Western Cape Government continues to work with rail partners and stakeholders to advocate for the revitalisation of passenger rail, recognising its important role in improving mobility, growing the economy and connecting communities across the province.

Media Enquiries
Byron La Hoe
Acting Media Liaison Officer to Minister Isaac Sileku
Western Cape Mobility Department
Email: Byron.laHoe@westerncape.gov.za