Johannesburg: During the 2024/25 financial year, the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) experienced a notable increase in passenger trips, reaching a total of 77 million, up from 39.4 million in the previous year. This growth reflects PRASA’s ongoing efforts to enhance its services and infrastructure.
According to South African Government News Agency, PRASA Group Chief Executive Officer Hishaam Emeran highlighted the agency’s achievements in the 2024/25 Group Annual Report released during a media briefing in Johannesburg. Emeran noted that Gauteng contributed 40.7 million trips, the Western Cape 22.7 million, KwaZulu-Natal 12.7 million, and the Eastern Cape 670,000 trips. He expressed optimism for continued growth across the PRASA network.
The report detailed that PRASA achieved a 91% on-time performance rate for its 208,254 scheduled services, with only 3% cancellations. This operational discipline, combined with the deployment of modern rolling stock, has been key to attracting passengers back to rail travel. PRASA’s overall performance level increased to 93%, the highest in over a decade, marking three consecutive years of improvement against the Annual Performance Plan.
PRASA has successfully restored 35 of its 40 service lines, with 70% now fully operational. Strategic corridor recoveries and increased frequencies on high-demand routes have led to reduced travel times and higher patronage.
Emeran also provided updates on the Rolling Stock Modernisation Programme, noting the growth in the operational electric multiple unit (EMU) fleet from 96 to 134 units. By March 2025, PRASA had received 268 new trains, with 60 trains delivered in the 2024/25 financial year. Safety remains a priority, with PRASA maintaining a three-year Railway Safety Regulator permit and making significant progress in addressing historical Improvement Directives.
The commissioning of new signalling infrastructure on priority lines in KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape has improved train frequencies, while the revitalization of 46 stations exceeded the target, bringing the total of operational stations to 313 out of 468.
Despite the increase in passenger volumes, Metrorail revenue of R396.6 million fell short of targets due to ticketing system gaps and other factors. PRASA is implementing targeted interventions to address these issues and ensure sustainable revenue growth.
In a historic milestone, PRASA received an Unqualified Audit Opinion from the Auditor-General, the first in nine years, signaling improvements in governance and compliance with the Public Finance Management Act. While challenges remain, PRASA has made strides in financial controls, supply chain management, and consequence management.