PRASA’s Role on Climate Change and Contribution to Climate Train

22 November 2011

PRASA, a carrier of 2.4 million passengers per day, has converted some of their Premier Classe and Shosholoza Meyl coaches to create the climate train. The conversions include on-board conferencing facilities, an on-board stage for drama performances, an on- board video viewing coach, and an exhibition coach.

“A lot of work has been put in by the technical team in converting some of our Shosholoza Meyl coaches into mobile conference facilities etc, not only to be used during the build up to COP 17, but we want to use these assets in the future for other key educational activities” Said Lucky Montana PRASA Group CEO.

The train conversions also include:

• A Power Car to electrify the train
• Two sleeper coaches
• A lounge area
• Conference carriages
• An on-board staff coach
• A fully equipped kitchen
• A dinning cart for seated dining
• An exhibition coach

The train has a capacity of approximately 25 people (excluding staff) with on-board shower facilities as well.

PRASA’s “BE GREEN INITIATIVES”:

PRASA is already in the process of developing its own green policy and a strategy framework which will be enhanced by the COP17 outcomes on all Government Departments and State Owned Entities. PRASA’s policy will be applicable to all its operating entities as monitored by the PRASA Corporate Office.

• PRASA’s R100 billion rolling stock renewal program (the purchasing of new trains) includes international specifications for green and energy efficient technology, including green requirements for manufacturing, maintenance and spares specifications for the new fleet.
• PRASA’s long-distance bus operations, through Autopax, have recently purchased 500 new buses with energy saving and emission control specifications/standards. Autopax is also recycling its tyers and introducing fuel efficiency measures on all its bus fleet to optimise and monitor energy consumption and savings.
• PRASA is in the process of updating its Norms, Guidelines and Standards for all infrastructure, station facilities/structure construction and other works to include green designs and green SABS materials usage, e.g. maximum natural light in station designs.
• PRASA’s property entity, PRASA CRES, is currently retrofitting all light fittings and globes at major stations with energy saving fittings and globes. PRASA CRES, is also investigating a pilot project for the testing of solar panels at major stations, to be rolled out to the entire network to augmenting power supply.

PRASA AS THE “GREEN” CARRIE DURING COP 17:

PRASA will provide the following transport services during the COP17 conference:

• Autopax, PRASA’s long-distance bus company will provide transportation for conference delegates during the event in Durban. A total of 100 low emission busses have already been deployed in time for the COP17 conference.
• The provision of 2 special Metrorail train services to Durban for community organisations and delegates to attend the COP17 conference.

“Our country’s climate sustainability is reliant on all of our contributions, both as individuals and as responsible corporate citizens. It is therefore necessary to invest in proper greening solutions for businesses and households alike otherwise we risk paying a heavy price in the future. The heavy rainfalls experienced this year proved disruptive to our services as some of our tracks were either washed away or flooded – a clear indication of the urgent need to change our attitude towards climate issues” concluded Montana.