COSATU denounces Prasa fare increase

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The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) is in the view that the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) price hike is too high.

PRASA’s new train fares came into effect on Friday, marking the first fare adjustment since 2015.

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According to PRASA, single-trip tickets will rise by R2,50, while return tickets could cost up to R6 more, depending on the distance travelled. PRASA in a statement said the increase follows extensive consultations with stakeholders in 2023 and aims to address rising energy, maintenance, and safety costs. PRASA CEO Nwabisa Gqamane-Ntiyane assured commuters that rail remains South Africa’s most affordable transport option. She also noted the availability of off-peak discounts, as well as new weekly and monthly ticket packages aimed at providing commuters with greater value.

‘’Whilst COSATU welcomes the huge improvements Prasa has made to its infrastructure as well as the rollout of the new trains, the Federation believes the proposed ticket price hike is high and will be burdensome to commuters who are already battling to cope with the high cost of living. Food inflation alone is multiples higher than composite inflation, not to mention the price of utilities such as electricity which are necessities,’’ said Tony Ehrenreich, COSATU Deputy Parliamentary Coordinator.

‘’Instead of levying the proposed fare increase, COSATU is of the opinion that Prasa should utilise this period to reposition itself as the mass mover of the working class.  This process of renewal should include a ticket pricing system that encourages commuters to return to the rail system as their preferred mode of transport. To achieve this, the Federation urges Prasa to limit the fare increase to the prevailing inflation rate.

‘’The proposed price hike will likely lead commuters to cling to their past perceptions of Prasa and not afford it the opportunity to demonstrate that it has shed its culture of mismanagement, which led to it providing an unreliable service.’’

Ehrenreich says trains were stagnamnt in recent years, leaving commuters to find other modes of transport.

‘’To lure them back to its rails, Prasa should steer clear of implementing a price increase that will change the cost structure of rail transport fees. Whilst mindful of the significant investment in infrastructure, the rail agency should aim to recoup costs by swelling the number of commuters rather than relying solely on the increased fare contribution.’’

He said discussions are underway at Nedlac to finalise the subsidisation principles for public transport. These deliberations must be finalised, before any increase above inflation is considered.

‘’There is a need for a coherent rational policy that foregrounds commuters’ needs, rebuilds and restores trust. It is essential that this is concluded before above inflation increases can be considered. COSATU remains available to expedite a coherent policy and implementation strategy related to public transport and Prasa in particular,'' said Tony Ehrenreich, COSATU Deputy Parliamentary Coordinator.

 

Done by: Mitchum George

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