Following discussions between the Provincial Department of Transport and Public Works and Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA), the governing entity of Shosholoza Meyl, the long distance train passenger carrier has agreed and opened bookings on an extra train for an additional Cape Town to East London trip over the upcoming Easter long weekend. This additional service is amongst 18 other services that is moreover to the current service being offered by Shosholoza Meyl.
“PRASA Rail and Shosholoza Meyl have made available an extra train travelling from Cape Town at 11h55 on the 28th of March, to East London, arriving at 18h40. This is over-and-above the train that is scheduled to leave at 10h25 earlier that morning, effectively doubling the service on that day.
They have also catered for an additional return train that leaves East London on the 1st of April at 10h00, arriving back in Cape Town at 14h10. This is great news for the many commuters needing to travel to the Eastern Cape over the Easter weekend to be with their friends and family.
There are already various public transport carriers, ranging from mini-bus taxis to buses, that make this trip, however this additional service will go a long way in easing the pressure and catering to the enormous demand over this high volume season,” said MEC Carlisle.
Shosholoza Meyl has added additional services to various other routes across the country to cater to the increased demand that characterises the Easter period every year.
“The plan itself takes into account the availability of critical resources such as locomotives, and it has been designed to deal with all critical routes across the country. We urge all our commuters to make their bookings early if they intend to make use of this service, to secure their seats and avoid over-crowding at the platforms. There will regrettably be no space for customers without tickets,” said Lawrence Venkile, Spokesperson Shosholoza Meyl.
“We would like to thank PRASA Rail and Shosholoza Meyl for making this service available to the very many Cape Town residents that will be making these trips to other parts of the country during the Easter weekend. We will continue to engage, on behalf of the members of the public, with all our public transport partners to ensure that they receive a safe and efficient service, particularly in times like Easter when they need it most,” added MEC Carlisle.
Media enquiries:
Siphesihle Dube
Spokesperson for MEC of Transport and Public Works, Robin Carlisle
Cell: 084 233 3811
Tel: 021 483 8954
E-mail: Siphesihle.Dube@westerncape.gov.za
Lawrence Venkile
Spokesperson for Shosholoza Meyl
Cell: 081 562 3493 or 083 411 1573
Tel: 011 773 1418
E-mail: lvenkile@prasa.com
