Cape Town’s central line reopens

Cape Town’s central line is once again on track, with Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy officially relaunching what was once the busiest commuter rail line in the country. After years of disruption caused by theft, vandalism, and land occupations, the line is now partially operational, reconnecting communities with economic and job opportunities across the city.

Train services between Cape Town, Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain were suspended in November 2019. Since then, numerous informal settlements were established along sections of the railway line, particularly during the Covid-19 lockdown, when many landless residents lost their income and began occupying vacant land – including between railway tracks.

Last September, partial service resumed between Philippi and Nolungile stations. In April, trains returned to Khayelitsha, although at reduced capacity. Currently, only two trains are operating per hour, but Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) is working toward increasing that to six trains per hour.

Land occupation near the railway tracks was said to be one of the reasons for the delays in getting the trains to the most populous areas of the province. Archive Photo by Mzi Velapi

Speaking at the official relaunch, Minister Creecy emphasised the importance of affordable rail transport in empowering working-class communities. “The recovery of the central line provides residents of Cape Town with a safer commuting experience, shorter travel times, and a more integrated public transport network,” she said.

“Due to its affordability and the greater mobility it enables, passenger rail has the potential to unlock broader economic opportunities for the working class.”

According to Prasa, the central line previously carried 420,000 commuters daily. Since limited services resumed, daily passenger trips have risen from 53,000 to over 104,000. The recovery has cost the government approximately R1.3 billion.

Operation Bhekela: A New Blueprint

Creecy attributed the reopening of the train service to the success of Operation Bhekela (“Move back”), a multi-stakeholder initiative that addressed the challenge of land occupations in areas such as Langa, Philippi, and Khayelitsha.

“Operation Bhekela involved a level of engagement and cooperation not seen before in the history of passenger rail. It offers a blueprint for what is possible when state-owned entities, communities, contractors, and government work together to restore public infrastructure.”

The project has not been without controversy. The relocation of informal settlers has been linked to the murder of community leader Loyiso Nkohla.

Community Concerns Remain

While the relaunch has been widely welcomed, community activists have raised ongoing concerns about infrastructure, safety, and accessibility.

Asanele Mvandaba, a community organiser for civil society group Unite Behind, called on Prasa to fix the lifts at Nyanga and Philippi stations. “The lifts haven’t worked since before the service resumed. Prasa has promised to fix them for over a year. Without them, elderly commuters and those living with disabilities are unable to access the platforms.”

Another Unite Behind activist, Zukiswa Qezo, urged Prasa to improve safety measures by fencing off railway lines. “Children and residents living nearby are forced to cross the tracks. Prasa promised to erect walls alongside the line, and we’re still waiting.”

A Boost for Local Business

Small business owners have expressed cautious optimism. Patric Lugogwana, organiser for the Khayelitsha Business Forum, said reliable rail service will help traders revive businesses that collapsed when the trains stopped running.

“We welcome the launch, but we need full service. Trains allow small businesses to better manage logistics, access state services like Sars, and improve overall efficiency.”

Phumeza Yanta, provincial deputy secretary of the South African Transport and Allied Workers Union (Satawu), added that many commuters are now returning to the trains. “People were spending a fortune on alternative transport. Now they can save money to put food on the table.”

Despite challenges, Creecy remained optimistic about the central line’s future. “This is not just about trains running again – it’s about restoring dignity, enabling livelihoods, and building a more connected Cape Town.”