Since November, hundreds of satisfied commuters have been making daily use of new economy Plus class train services to Cape Town from Worcester and Malmesbury. Journeys take approximately four hours, including stops at intermediate stations.
The services were introduced by Mainline Passenger Services (the long-distance division of Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa – PRASA) and the Department of Transport and Public Works.
This is expected to increase the number of Mainline Passenger Services commuters and to free up capacity in PRASA’s Metrorail Western Cape division. The added capacity will enable Metrorail to provide better services on heavily used urban routes in the greater Cape Town area.
The trains boast a catering car offering light meals (hamburgers and sandwiches), tea, coffee and refreshments (cold drinks, chips and sweets). There are PRASA rail security officials in every carriage and four toilets per carriage to ensure a pleasant and safe travelling experience.
Mthuthuzeli Swartz, Executive Manager of Mainline Passenger Services says the service is only the beginning. “We will use more trains on this route in the near future. We are also looking at providing wifi services on trains.”
Western Cape Minister of Transport and Public Works Donald Grant welcomed the new services. “Rail forms a crucial part of the economy of the Western Cape, transporting more than half of our workforce. We must continue to ensure that the service provided to our commuters is safe, affordable, reliable, and accessible to those who need it most,” he said.
Fares between Cape Town and Worcester are R20 (single), R130 (weekly) and R455 (monthly). Fares between Malmesbury and Cape Town are R15 (single), R110 (weekly) and R355 (monthly). You can book weekly and monthly tickets and pre-book your seat by calling 0860 008 888 or by visiting your nearest station.
Byron la Hoe
Communication Officer
Department of Transport and Public Works
Tel: 021 483 9813
E-mail: Byron.laHoe@westerncape.gov.za
You can follow the Department of Transport and Public Works on Twitter: @WCGovTPW