Prasa Launches New Century City Station

8 June 2010

PRASA Ready To Roll For 2010 FIFA World Cup

Cape Town, South Africa – The Mother City has officially welcomed PRASA’s (Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa) striking new Century City Station as well as the completely overhauled Cape Town Station. This comes as the city prepares to welcome hundreds of thousands of football fans ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ matches to be played at Green Point Stadium.

Dignitaries including the Western Cape MEC of Transport, Mr. Robin Carlisle, Chairman of the PRASA Board Sfiso Buthelezi and PRASA Group CEO Lucky Montana were present at the launch, having travelled to the stations in one of the trains newly refurbished to the tune of R7 billion.

“The tremendous progress achieved to date with the R418 million investment in the refurbishment of the city’s landmark gateway brings this vital transport node in line with other world-class tourist destinations,” said PRASA Group CEO Lucky Montana. “As one of the main access points to the central city, we’re confident the station will fulfil its role as a safe, secure and enjoyable destination for all its visitors – and particularly the over 20 000 fans we’ll be transporting on match days.”

Situated within walking distance of the rebuilt Green Point Stadium, Cape Town Station provides an important interface between the central city and the metropolitan area, effectively embracing the challenges of growth and social integration. The refurbishment project saw the demolition of the station’s internal spaces, opening up the station completely, while new finishes and the rearrangement of operational and retail areas have totally transformed the light, bright interior.

The R58 million new Century City Station, adjacent to the rapidly Century City development on the Cape Town – Atlantis corridor, has been hailed as a welcome boost to rail services in the area that firmly establishes its economic importance within the city.

"The construction of this ultra modern station and the improvements made to others on the network heralds a new era in public transport in this city that we’re extremely proud of,” said Montana. "These stations have been designed to support venues for matches, training and fan parks, but we believe they’re also part of a legacy that will benefit residents well beyond 2010.”

In addition, the following city stations have also been upgraded:

• Athlone Station (R5m)
• Langa (R38m)
• Heideveld (R18m)
• Philippi (R75m)

The new stations also feature among others:

• Super-wide platforms (9m) with 3m wide staircases
• Wide entrance ramps and lifts for passengers with special needs
• Integrated Control System allows train arrivals/ departures to be monitored via Internet
• Station Access control is governed by high-tech speed gates linked to CCTV

As National Supporter of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, PRASA has spent a total of around R1.9 billion on improving its facilities and operations ahead of the event. New stations include the R140 million Moses Mabhida Station, launched in Durban yesterday. At the same time, refurbishments of stations across the country have focused on renovating ticket offices and public toilets, building new paraplegic toilets, painting all buildings, fencing, resurfacing platforms, installing new station signage and upgrading station lights and public address systems.

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)
• North End (R16 mil)

A further R263 million has been spent on the Nasrec Rail Service to service Ellis Park and Soccer City.

Modern developments epitomise the revolutionary work 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.

A further R100 million has been invested in integrating Rhodesfield Station adjacent to OR Tambo International Airport with the Gautrain Rhodesfield Station.

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 SAPS, 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 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 ; Metrorail; Shosholoza Meyl

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!

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