BONTAS RAILWAY LINE REOPENED

THE reopening of the Bonteheuwel railway line last week has come as a significant moment following excessive transport costs endured by commuters.

Subcouncil 15 Chairperson Angus McKenzie said the reopening of the line on 25 June had allowed him to witness mense getting onto the train heading to work, school or simply visiting loved ones has filled him with pride and joy.

McKenzie said: “For far too long, our residents have endured the burden of exorbitant transport costs, relying heavily on taxis and buses simply to reach their workplaces, schools, and essential services. 

“It is a well-known and deeply concerning reality that nearly two-thirds of our community’s disposable income was being spent just on transport. This is unacceptable in any society striving for equity and opportunity.”

Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) announced that the Central Line will be operational from May. 

Prasa reported a successful trial of train trips - from Cape Town via Bonteheuwel to Mitchells Plain, Chris Hani in Khayelitsha and Bellville - in a significant step in the restoration of the public transport system.

The Cape Town to Chris Hani rail was last fully functional in November 2019 before services were suspended due to vandalism, cable theft and shacks on the railway track.

McKenzie added: “The reopening of this vital rail line changes that. It restores affordable, safe, and reliable mobility to our people. 

“It gives residents the ability to travel at a fraction of the cost they previously paid - putting money back into their pockets where it belongs. Money that can now be spent investing in their families, their children, their homes, and their futures.”