Parliament, Sunday, 3 December 2023 - The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Transport, Ms Mina Lesoma, has welcomed the resumption of the long distance rail passenger service, as announced on the weekend by the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA).
PRASA announced today that the service will be running between Johannesburg and Cape Town, as well as between Johannesburg and Durban. “This is welcome news during this time and communities must take up this offering and make use of all the benefits. We call on PRASA to run an efficient service that people will not regret but instead opt for during the times of travel,” Ms Lesoma said.
Ms Lesoma also sent heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims of the weekend accidents that happened in the Eastern Cape and Limpopo where road fatalities were reported. “We are saddened by the reported fatalities but at the same time we are excited that our people will travel at affordable prices should they choose the Shosholoza Meyl service. This will also massively boost the local tourism,” she said.
She said if PRASA got the implementation of the service spot on, it will not only lessen the pressure on the roads, but will also guarantee safety on our travelling family members, friends, and relatives. “Rail needs to be the transportation method of choice during these times, especially to those South Africans doing interprovincial travels,” added Ms Lesoma.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORT, MS MINA LESOMA.
For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact:
Name: Mr Sibongile Maputi.
Cell: 081 052 6060
E-mail: smaputi@parliament.gov.za
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