Metrorail
Metrorail is responsible for transporting over 2.2 million passengers
in the following operational areas: Gauteng, Cape Town, Durban and Eastern Cape.
The PRASA owns 317 stations of the 468 stations Metrorail operates, with the remainder
belonging to Transnet Freight Rail, and provides commuter rail services on 3180
kilometres of track of which it owns 2228 kilometres and Transnet Freight Rail the
rest.
The rolling stock fleet of 406 train sets comprises 4638 coaches, of which the vast
majority were built between 1958 and 1985. Fewer than 3 percent of the fleet are
coaches that were bought in the mid-eighties with relatively newer technology. Diesel
locomotives are leased to assist with yard operations and provide the traction supply
for the Eastern Cape services.
Established as a fully fledged business unit of Transnet in 1996, Metrorail has
focused on the delivery of commuter rail services in six major metropolitan areas,
while assuming responsibility for the maintenance of the operational asset base.
However, the separation of asset management (SARCC) from operations (Metrorail)
proved to be a major contributing factor in the failure of these entities to provide
an adequate passenger service.
Express Service
South African rail commuters are now travelling to their destinations in style.
When the idea of a luxury commuter train was first mooted in 2006, most couldn’t
even imagine it becoming a reality. Yet, since the Wits Metrorail region unveiled
South Africa’s first luxury commuter train at Naledi Station, Soweto, in 2007, the
highly successful service has caught on and now includes the popular Khayelitsha
business express service, as well as those between Strand and Cape Town in the Western
Cape, and between Pretoria and Johannesburg in Gauteng.
The concept was simple: change the public’s perception of rail by:
- demonstrating the comfort and convenience of train travel;
- providing commuters with a choice of rail services;
- restoring dignity to rail travel; and
- responding to customer willingness to pay for a superior service.
The express trains sport brand new livery and are instantly recognisable. The comfortable
seats, curtains and carpets ensure a fresh and luxurious look. Onboard services
include cabin and security crew, a complimentary daily newspaper and refreshments.
The Strand to Cape Town Premium Express also boasts two LCD screens per carriage
allowing state-of-the-art onboard communication.
Fast Facts:
2007 SOWETO BUSINESS EXPRESS
- Area: Soweto to Johannesburg
- Seating Capacity: 360
- Stopping Stations: Naledi, Dube, Johannesburg Park Station
- Average Travel Time: 90 minutes
2007 KHAYELITSHA EXPRESS
- Area: Khayelitsha to Cape Town
- Seating Capacity: 300
- Stopping Stations: Khayelitsha, Heideveld, Mutual, Cape Town
- Average Travel Time: 40 minutes
2008 TSHWANE BUSINESS EXPRESS
- Area: Pretoria to Johannesburg
- Seating Capacity: 520
- Stopping Stations: Pretoria, Centurion, Kempton Park, Johannesburg Park Station
- Average Travel Time: 90 minutes
2009 PREMIUM EXPRESS
- Area: Strand to Cape Town
- Seating Capacity: 252
- Stopping Stations: Strand, Somerset West, Firgrove, Eerste River, Kuilsriver, Mutual,
Cape Town
- Average Travel Time: 70 minutes