Mobility
With regard to the reopening of the Kapteinsklip rail line in Mitchells Plain:
- What plans does his Department have in place to integrate land transportation in the area, (b)(i) when is this integration expected to take place and (ii) what timelines have been set for the implementation of these initiatives and (c) how much funding has been allocated to ensure that the integration between rail and other land transport modes is seamless?
Background
The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) and the Western Cape Mobility
Department (WCMD) have a long-standing relationship that is currently being strengthened through formalization using a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). On the questions raised by Honorable Prof Mbombo, the responses are as follows:
- PRASA and the Department are exploring the formalization of the Park and Ride facility that is already existing (on the Rocklands side) at Kapteinsklip. Furthermore, there is an opportunity to improve the turnaround area for the buses (i.e. Golden Arrow Bus Services (GABS) and MyCiTi) to ensure seamless transfer of passengers.
In addition, the Department and PRASA are working towards improving integration between transport modes at Kapteinsklip over the medium to long term, particularly in relation to the way in which rail, buses, mini-bus taxis e-hailing taxis and connect within the station precinct. The intention is not only to improve the current facilities but to convert Kapteinsklip into a proper public transport interchange. Currently, Mitchells Plain is experiencing major traffic congestion due to the much-needed road upgrades and increased single occupancy vehicles. The proposed interchange will further public transport as the first choice of travel mode for the residents of Mitchells Plain and surrounding areas.
Furthermore, there is potential for other micro-business opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
- Through the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, the cooperation is
expected to start in the 2026/27 fiscal year (1st April 2026) and build towards
onwards.
- PRASA and the Department of Mobility are working within a very constrained fiscal position and thus the programs are spread through the 2026/27 – 2028/29 MTEF. Additionally, PRASA’s current focus is the full recovery of all the lines/stations and improving performance standards, such as the reliability of trains. Therefore, the extension of services including this particular envisaged public transport interchange will be included in their long term plan and budget.
