Cape Town — The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) says the Shosholoza Meyl set to travel from Johannesburg to Durban is at 50% capacity already.
This past weekend, PRASA announced that it would be resuming the long-distance train service which runs from Johannesburg to Durban and Cape Town, following its suspension in 2021 due to operational and network infrastructure challenges.
Main Line Passenger Services (MLPS) took to their X account and revealed that the capacity for Shosholoza’s first long-distance trip since resuming services now stands at 50% sold-out. The maiden trip is set to take place on Friday 8 December.
#WalalaWasala 50% of the Durban train 🎫 are sold-out!🙌🏼
ADVANCE BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL- ☎️ Call: 011 013 0231/2/3 or visit any Shosholoza Meyl offices for your bookings.#travelwithshosholozameyl #keDezemba @PRASA_Group @dbntourism pic.twitter.com/QYPIdA5hue— Main Line Passenger Services (@ServicesMain) December 4, 2023
According to PRASA spokesperson, Andiswa Makanda, the trip is set to run from Johannesburg to Cape Town, stopping in Durban, SABC News reported.
“The duration of the Johannesburg to Cape Town is about 30 to 34 hours. We are transporting people within the approved speed of the railway safety regulator. We are also factoring in stopovers where we need to change the water.”
“We need to refuel. Durban, you’re looking at 18 hours. People will be able to get out of some of those towns that we’ll be stopping at. Stretch their legs, walk about, experience some of the historic towns along the route,” she added.
Makanda also said that everyone was welcome to come on board, and encouraged commuters to bring games and fun activities with them, EWN reported.
“We encourage people to travel by group. I remember when we resumed the Queenstown service, passengers were telling us that it was difficult to go home with their children because of how expensive the buses and the taxes were and we are bringing this cheaper mode of transport so that people can travel with their families,” Makanda said.
“We’ve got dining coaches, entertainment coaches. There’s a lot one can do inside the train, it’s not as restrictive as travelling by bus,” she concluded.
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
