Rail services upgraded ahead of 2010 World Cup

By Ofentse Mokae
13 April 2010

With just 58 days before kick off to the 2010 FIFA World Cup government has re-committed itself to providing effective transport system.

The transport department has announced that it plans to contribute towards a successful tournament.

In his budget vote in parliament this afternoon transport minister S’bu Ndebele said the backbone for his department transport plans consisted of long distance rail, aviation, taxis and buses.

He said they have already invested over R20 billion in the passenger rail services for the World Cup and beyond.

“The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa is currently upgrading key stations and critical infrastructure,” Ndebele said.

The former Kwa-Zulu Natal premier also announced refurbishments of two thousand coaches, the roll out of the South African Railway Police, which are key in making the country fully complaint in support for the soccer spectacular.

“Above the normal services of 308 train sets there will be 240 additional train sets arranged. In addition 85 train sets have been booked privately and 93 trains are on standby should they be required,” announced the minister.

Almost two week ago Metrorail commuters were left destitute across the city after a train was set alight at the Nyanga station.

Reports said strategic communication lines across the city's railway network were damaged before rush hour.

Metrorail said later that it had identified staff as being behind the blaze, in which two carriages were gutted.