Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has unveiled new City to City buses and opened the refurbished Kopanong station in Mabopane as Prasa continues rebuilding passenger transport services.

According to TimesLIVE, Creecy’s 15 October visit highlighted R50 billion invested over three years in restoring Gauteng’s rail network, including infrastructure repairs and new rolling stock.

R7 journey highlights affordable travel

TimesLIVE reported that Creecy purchased a R7 single ticket from Kopanong to Pretoria before boarding the train into the city centre.

The minister said affordable transport helps households keep more money for essentials while connecting commuters to work, education and healthcare.

More Mabopane services planned

The Mabopane line currently operates about three trains an hour. Creecy said the intention is to increase this to nearly six an hour during 2026.

TimesLIVE also reported on her inspection of the digital signalling control centre serving northern Gauteng. Creecy explained that the system helps prevent collisions and provides operational flexibility when a line develops problems.

New coaches bring safety upgrades

Prasa’s 17 new long-distance buses mark its first fleet acquisition of this kind since 2010, according to government news service SAnews.

Creecy said the purchase followed a difficult restructuring process involving management, organised labour, the Prasa board and its shareholder.

The coaches feature lane assistance, following-distance monitoring and stability systems. Drivers will receive targeted training and monitoring, while a control centre will oversee incidents along routes.

Further fleet expansion on the cards

SAnews reported that another 30 coaches are planned for the 2027/28 financial year, followed by 48 in 2028/29.

These additions would bring the total to 95 modern coaches. The fleet renewal programme is expected to finish by 2030.

Creecy said the bus operation is designed to sustain itself financially and eventually complement long-distance passenger rail, connecting cities, towns and rural communities.

“Whether on a suburban line or a long-distance route, our purpose remains the same,” she said, emphasising safe, reliable and affordable public transport.