Mobility
- (a) What is the latest update on the Service Level Plan of the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) for the province, (b) what specific progress has been made since the launch of PRASA’s 20-year Modernisation Project Plan in 2014, (c) what
are the details on the implementation process to date, including (i) key milestones
achieved and (ii) any major delays encountered, and (d) what specific actions are being taken by PRASA, in collaboration with his Department, to address ongoing challenges in the province’s rail network, particularly in terms of (i) train punctuality, (ii) passenger and infrastructure safety, (iii) train frequency and reliability and (iv) infrastructure upgrades and maintenance;
(2)
what measures is his Department putting in place to support the Province in managing and executing these responsibilities effectively in the event that the devolution of rail functions to the Provincial Government be approved?
The Mobility Department wrote to PRASA, as PRASA is the custodian of the Plan. Unfortunately, we have not received any response by the due date provided.
The Department has investigated options for the devolution of urban passenger rail functions to the Western Cape, including assessing the technical, operational, institutional, financial, and legal dimensions thereof. This included an evaluation of the requirements and risks associated with managing and executing these functions in the event of devolution.
No decision on the devolution of these functions to sub-national government has been made by the National Government. Should devolution proceed, it would need to be based on an agreed institutional and funding model, and a clear process and timeline allowing for the establishment of the capacity, systems and other arrangements required to fulfil these new responsibilities effectively.
It is important to note that there is currently no Service Level Plan (SLP) in place between the Western Cape Government and PRASA. Rather, the City of Cape Town has signed an amended SLP with PRASA, which is not a devolution agreement but provides a framework for collaboration and oversight over rail services operating in the municipality. At the same time, the City is assessing the feasibility of devolving rail services. The Department is closely monitoring these developments.
Furthermore, the Department has drafted a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with PRASA, aiming to lay the groundwork for longer-term cooperation. This MoU outlines shared principles and potential areas of collaboration and information-sharing in support of the restoration and improvement of rail services in the Western Cape, and in anticipation of potential future devolution.
Importantly, despite the absence of a final decision or clear way forward on the devolution of rail, the Department is actively working with PRASA to improve the efficiency and reliability of passenger rail. The overarching goal is about delivering an efficient, safe, and effective passenger rail system that meets the needs of the people.
