Prasa ready to roll for 2010 FIFA Word Cup™
Nasrec Station prepares to welcome the world to Soccer City
2 June 2010
Johannesburg, South Africa. PRASA – the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa – has officially launched Johannesburg's newly refurbished Nasrec Station in preparation for tens of thousands of people who'll be passing through it bound for Soccer City over the next few weeks. The R70 million state-of-the-art station is at the centre of a rail, bus and taxi hub that is ready to cope with the well over 20 000 people who are projected to stream through the Nasrec node in a single hour during peak time.
Dignitaries including the Deputy Minister of Transport Jeremy Cronin, Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport Bheki Nkosi, Chairman of the PRASA Board Sfiso Buthelezi and PRASA Group CEO Lucky Montana were present at the launch, having travelled from Park Station in one of the trains newly refurbished ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup to the tune of R7 billion.
"With the opening of this world-class station, Nasrec now becomes one of the most accessible precincts in the country with modern infrastructure and facilities that we believe will provide economic opportunities to the surrounding communities and the general public," said Montana.
An official National Supporter of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, PRASA is ready to transport around a third of the capacity of each stadium on match days. That's around 30 000 fans for Johannesburg's Soccer City alone that will be moved through the new Nasrec Station.
Over the past weekend, PRASA proved its readiness to move football fans, having successfully transported thousands of rugby spectators to Soweto's Orlando Stadium for the Super 14 final match. "Fans not only got to the game on time, but the feedback we've received indicates they also enjoyed the experience they were treated to on our newly refurbished trains, as well as the world-class facilities at the upgraded Orlando Station," he says.
PRASA has spent around R1.9 billion in improving its facilities and operations ahead of the event. "Truly, a transport legacy - that will continue to benefit every South African well into the future."
The upgraded Nasrec Station boasts amongst others:
- Super-wide platforms (9m) with 3m wide staircases located centrally on platforms;
- Three staircases, wide entrance ramps and a lift for passengers with special needs;
- Adequate lighting and CCTV cameras;
- Ticket sales and verification points that are sheltered from weather;
- An Integrated Control System that allows train arrivals and departures to be monitored via the Internet
- A standby generator and UPS in case of power failure
New stations
With several new stadiums constructed around the country, PRASA has built brand-new stations to match at Moses Mabhida in Durban (R140 million) and Windermere opposite Century City in Cape Town (R59 mil). These two Stations will be officially opened on 7 & 8 June 2010.
Modern developments epitomise the revolutionary work being undertaken at stations across the country, the result of which Montana says he believes will instil a renewed sense of pride and practicality to South Africa. "An entirely new and aesthetically-pleasing design has been applied to the key stations, creating a safe and satisfying transport hub for all to enjoy," he says.
Another R100 million has been invested in integrating the Rhodesfield station adjacent to OR Tambo International Airport with the Gautrain Rhodesfield Station
Station upgrades
PRASA believes the station transformations will contribute to the overall revivification of surrounding precincts. In each case the upgrades - aimed at enhancing the commuting experience through the improvement of the general physical environment, safety, security and hygiene of the stations - have enhanced the interface between the city and metropolitan areas.
Station upgrades have focused on a range of priorities, from modernising stations with world-class facilities and introducing shelter from the weather, to additional seating, better access, lighting and signage, CCTV security surveillance, lengthened and resurfaced platforms, revamped retail and commercial space, park & ride facilities, fan parks and festival viewing sites.
Refurbished stations include: Langlaagte, New Canada & Nasrec Stations (R90 mil), Ellis Park & Doornfontein (R77 mil), Orlando (R70 mil), Loftus & Bel Ombre Stations (R20 mil), Reunion (R6 mil), Durban KwaMyandu & KwaMashu Stations (R50 mil), Athlone, Heideveld & Langa Stations (R60 mil) and North End (R16 mil). A further R263 million has been spent on the Nasrec Rail Service to service Ellis Park and Soccer City.
Cutting-edge technology infrastructure upgrades amounting to R140 million include the passenger information and communication system at key stations. Also, intelligent transport systems will manage congestion, incident response and travel demand.
Safety and security
"One of the reasons rail use has declined over the years may be because people felt it was unsafe. However, a safe and effective public rail transport system is paramount to the success of the FIFA 2010 World Cup," says Montana.
That's why PRASA has spent over R160 million on bringing back the Railway Police. Backed by the South African Police Service, there will be more visible policing on trains and at stations, as well as mobile police stations equipped with holding cells, trauma units and community centres. Also, extra PRASA security personnel will be provided on trains and at stations for fans travelling to and from each game.
Way finding system
"It's practically impossible to get lost at our stations, thanks to the new universal way finding system we've implemented," he says. The highly visible, easy to understand signs direct commuters wherever they need to go around the station precinct, from finding information and the correct platform to locating various facilities, transport connections and exits.
"We'll know we've done our job when fans step off our trains with a smile, take advantage of all the wonderful facilities at our stations and enjoy a gentle, five-minute stroll to their seats in the stadium, refreshed and energised," concludes Montana. "We just can't wait!"
Bookings / info: 087 353 3970 www.metrorail.co.za; www.shosholozameyl.co.za
HOW TO GET TO THE GAME BY TRAIN: IT'S AS EASY AS 1-2-3!
- Call 087 353 3970 to book your ticket to the host city of your choice. (Shosholoza Meyl trains arrive in host cities 4 hours before kick-off.)
- Grab your 2010 FIFA World Cup™ ticket and travel FREE with Metrorail to and from Stations in the vicinity of the stadium. Enjoy the ride!
- Freshen up at the Station, grab a drink and something to eat and take an easy walk to the stadium
WALK FROM EACH STATION TO STADIUM IN UNDER 5 MINUTES!
| CITY | STADIUM | STATION |
| Johannesburg | Soccer City | Nasrec Station |
| Johannesburg | Ellis Park | Doornfontein Station |
| Cape Town | Green Point | Cape Town Station |
| Pretoria | Loftus Versveld | Rissik Station |
| Durban | Moses Mabhida | oses Mabhida Station |
| Port Elizabeth | Nelson Mandela Bay | North End Station |
| Rustenburg | Royal Bafokeng | Rustenburg Station |
| Bloemfontein / Mangaung | Free State | Bloemfontein Station |
| Nelspruit | Mbombela | Nelspruit Station |