Shosholoza Meyl Long-Distance Passenger Rail Service Restoration

planned

The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) plans to restore a limited service on four long-distance passenger rail routes operated by the Shosholoza Meyl service. The service, which was suspended in 2020 after a fatal collision, aims to provide an affordable alternative to flights and buses. Restoration efforts have faced challenges due to ageing and unreliable locomotives, with limited operations resuming on some routes but later suspended again. Prasa intends to resume routes between Johannesburg and Queenstown, Durban, Musina, and Cape Town in 2027, exploring options including leasing locomotives amid funding constraints.