LOCAL
Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana supports the City of Cape Town’s plans to ‘take over’ the management of local passenger rail from national government. The embattled service has earned a reputation of unreliability, with thousands of frustrated commuters opting for other modes of transport. According to the City, around 570k daily trips have shifted from passenger rail to road-based transport modes since 2020.
The city has appointed a service provider to conduct a feasibility study – due to kick off in July- to determine the potential costs, risks and strategy associated with the move. Mayco member for Urban Mobility, Rob Quintas, says the end goal is a ‘world class’ rail system:
“Cape Town’s commuters need a reliable, safe, affordable, efficient and integrated public transport system with passenger rail as its backbone. People should be able to get to work on time and with ease. Economic growth relies on a productive workforce, and the bigger and healthier our economy, the more jobs will be created, and with that comes improved living conditions and livelihoods.”
