All aboard! Chatsworth trains on the rail again

The Bayview Train Station was abuzz with excitement and jubilation as crowds of commuters boarded the train to Merebank after years without the vital mode of transport.

Travellers spoke about how commuting via the train was the most cost-effective means of transport, and how welcome its return into the fold in the Chatsworth and Merebank area is.

In a statement issued by the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA), the state-owned enterprise expressed its pleasure in announcing to the public and stakeholders the resumption of train service on Thursday, March 28.

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“The shuttle service will be introduced between Merebank and the Chatsglen Station. This is a temporary arrangement while infrastructure repair works continue on this line. Commuters are urged to obey the rules and regulations of the new trains,” a statement indicated.

This comes after four years of service downtime following the severe damages caused during the lockdown including damage to rail lines, theft of underground cables and copper fittings, and in certain stations in Chatsworth, damage to building infrastructure as well. This led to a runaway domino effect, which caused commuters to pay up to four times as much for transport in already trying times.

Now, serving as a respite to the rising cost of living, service is set to recommence as repairs are affected on a day-to-day basis.

 For more information, feel free to get in touch with the customer service help desk on 031 813-0456, or via WhatsApp on 066-014-6105.