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DocumentClosedcommittee question

Given the urgency of creating safer and more affordable modes of transport than driving on the dangerous and highly congested N2, by what date will her department restore a fully operative and safe train service between Somerset West and Ca

Parliament of South AfricaRef: https://pmg.org.za/committee-question/36176/

Official source

Source domain: pmg.org.za

Collected on 17 June 2026

Always confirm details on the official source before acting.

Our copy (archived 9 July 2026)Official source

What this means

The document is a parliamentary question addressed to the Minister of Transport about the timeline for restoring a fully operational and safe train service between Somerset West and Cape Town. The Minister responds that the train service has been partially recovered since 2024 and has seen improvements after the Railway Safety Regulator permitted higher operating speeds in February 2026. The Minister also states that PRASA is currently procuring a contractor to repair the vandalised signalling system.

What this document offers

Read out of this document by Govermate's AI, in its own words. Each one quotes the line it came from — confirm on the official source before acting.

service improvement

Improved train operations at 60 km/h on the Somerset West–Cape Town route (after regulator permission)

The Railway Safety Regulator permitted PRASA to operate at 60 km/h on this route, which improved journey times and increased trains available to render service to commuters.

Who it is for
commuters using the train service between Somerset West and Cape Town
How to act on it
Use the train service on the Cape Town–Somerset West route; service frequency and journey times are improved as trains operate at the permitted speed.
Show the line this came from
However, on 5 February 2026, the Railway Safety Regulator permitted PRASA to operate at 60 km/h, which has improved the journey times and increased trains available to render service to commuters.
infrastructure repair procurementOngoing

Contractor engagement to recover vandalised signalling system (via PRASA procurement)

PRASA is procuring a suitably qualified contractor to recover the vandalised signalling system, which is needed to address the signalling damage affecting train operations on the route.

Who it is for
commuters using the train service between Somerset West and Cape Town
How to act on it
No direct application is described; the opportunity is for PRASA to engage a contractor through its procurement process.
Show the line this came from
PRASA is currently in the procurement process to engage a suitably qualified contractor to recover the vandalised signalling system.

Facts

Places

City of Cape Town, Western Cape

Reference

https://pmg.org.za/committee-question/36176/

Key Takeaways

  • date of question: 13 March 2026
  • questioner: Ms. KA Christie
  • subject: restoration of train service between Somerset West and Cape Town
  • current status: partial recovery since 2024
  • improvement: permitted speed increase to 60 km/h on 5 February 2026
  • action: PRASA in procurement process to recover signalling system

Dates

Opening Date

13 March 2026

Closing Date

5 February 2026