After 50 years of travelling in old trains, the community of Mamelodi will be among the first recipients to receive the first batch of new state-of-the-art trains from Brazil.
This was announced by Transport Minister Dipuo Peters during a Commuter Imbizo Programme held at Pienaarspoort Sport Ground, in Mamelodi East recently.
“Currently the trains are being tested in preparation for deployment on 1 October 2016. The new trains will ensure safe environment of our passengers with features such as cameras, aircons and heaters, closed gangways, windows that cannot open and electronic doors that are closed before train departure,” said Minister Peters.
The new trains will reduce the travel times to 26 minutes from Mamelodi to Pretoria as compared to a current 47 minutes travel time.
During the visit, the Minister also assessed and monitored the conditions of the services rendered to the commuters, and committed to returning to the area to discuss the Station Modernisation Programme and Fleet Renewal Programme in Tshwane rail corridor.
As part of its Modernisation Programme, PRASA has closed the line between Pretoria Station and Walker Station from 30 April 2016 till 15 September 2016.
This is to install new track slabs, to upgrade track formation of the rail lines, install a proper drainage system and to refurbish the overhead electricity lines and mast foundations.
The value of the contract is approximately R121 million. An additional 10 more stations between Pretoria and Pienaarspoort will also be upgraded.
Commuter Larry Tsokela said that the arrival of the new trains will help the workers and learners to arrive at work and school on time.
We hope that with the new station and new trains, we will finally get services we deserved as commuters,” said Tsokela.
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