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Local – R21.1 billion was deployed by the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) to fast-track the modernisation of the country’s rail network, restore commuter services, and strengthen South Africa’s transport infrastructure as part of its economic recovery efforts.
The agency said this marked one of the most significant spending periods in its history, signalling a renewed focus on getting trains back on track and rebuilding confidence in the passenger rail system.
Modernisation and Fleet Renewal
PRASA’s leadership stated that this period of investment represented a decisive shift in the agency’s long-term strategy.
By emphasising infrastructure renewal and job creation, the organisation aligned its spending with national priorities for inclusive growth and improved service delivery.
According to Group Chief Executive Officer Hishaam Emeran, the record spend demonstrates PRASA’s urgency to advance its infrastructure and fleet renewal programme.
“This was not just spending – it was strategic investment in South Africa’s economic future,” he said in Johannesburg.
“Our capital investment helped accelerate modernisation and created and sustained nearly 13,000 direct jobs, with a further 71,000 job opportunities across the economy.”
The agency said the full use of its capital budget marked a clean break from the historic trend of underspending and slow execution on significant projects. This improved financial performance enabled faster delivery of key programmes and visible progress on the ground.
The Rolling Stock Modernisation Programme remained central to PRASA’s turnaround efforts. The agency’s operational electric multiple unit (EMU) fleet expanded from 96 to 134 trains, replacing outdated rolling stock with modern, energy-efficient models designed to improve reliability, safety, and comfort for commuters.
Emeran said the fleet expansion had been a game-changer for both operations and commuters.
“Fleet renewal was at the heart of our recovery,” he said. “Modern trains meant faster journeys, fewer breakdowns, and a better experience for commuters returning to rail.”
PRASA’s commercial subsidiary, Intersite Asset Investments, also exceeded expectations, generating R708 million in commercial income against a R675 million target.
Projects such as the Cape Town Station Mixed-Use Development, The Lab on Park Student Accommodation in Braamfontein, and Goodwood Social Housing were among the developments driving growth and revitalisation within key transport hubs.
Emeran added that the commercial division continued to play a vital role in strengthening PRASA’s financial base.
“Our Transit Oriented Development approach remained a key driver of growth,” he said, noting that 24 of 26 new development leases, worth R7.8 billion, were in the pipeline.
Intersite also advanced renewable energy integration through a 1MW rooftop solar plant at Durban Station, part of PRASA’s long-term sustainability plan to reduce costs and promote environmental responsibility.
Passenger Growth and Performance
PRASA’s operational turnaround also translated into stronger passenger growth. Over the past year, the agency has made progress in restoring services, reopening stations, and improving travel times across high-demand corridors.
During the 2024/25 financial year, PRASA transported 77 million passengers, almost double the 39.4 million recorded the previous year.
“Across every region, we registered momentum,” said Emeran “Gauteng delivered 40.7 million trips, the Western Cape 22.7 million, KwaZulu-Natal 12.7 million, and the Eastern Cape 670,000 trips.”
The Group’s overall performance improved to 93%, the highest in more than a decade. Operational efficiency also strengthened, with 91% of scheduled services running on time, a result the agency attributed to disciplined management and investment in modern infrastructure.
Emeran said the results reflected a sustained recovery across the network. “Passengers were choosing rail again because our services had become more reliable, modern, and accessible,” he said.
