The Faure Railway Station has been refurbished and has seen a steady increase in the number of commuters returning to the combined northern line since the local passenger rail transport service was reinstated.
This according to Zinobulali Mihi, spokesperson for the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa), after the train station located in Old Main Road, Faure, was reopened on Tuesday 11 June.
DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette previously reported on the momentous occasion that coincided with Youth Month and saw learners from St Paul’s Primary School treated to a visit to the refurbished facility, where they were educated on railway safety and appropriate commuter behaviour as part of the launch celebrations (“All aboard!’’ 19 June).
In a delayed response to the publication’s enquiry to glean further insights considering the resumed train service, Mihi shared that the facility, which suffered severe vandalism and theft during the Covid-19 pandemic, underwent a complete restoration including infrastructure, platforms, toilets, parameter fencing and offices.
Asked what success the resumption of the train service has marked, she responded: “Seeing our commuters coming back to use our service and the surrounding communities backing us for the reintroduction of it has been long awaited.”
Mihi further said that commuters can look forward to increased train frequencies during off-peak and service improvements as efforts to rebuild railways move full-steam along. “The service starts from Strand to Cape Town via Eerste River. We also have connecting trains to Stellenbosch.”
Asked for an update on the dilapidated Firgrove Rail Station, Mihi said the refurbishment of the station is still underway.
“The commuters and communities can look forward to future plans to reopen Firgrove Railway Station, which is still not operating due to major vandalism and theft during the Covid-19 pandemic,” she said.
Mihi further expressed her heartfelt gratitude for community members and representatives including the local Community Policing Forum, Neighbourhood Watch and police who came out in numbers to support the Youth Month commemoration with St Paul’s Primary School learners and teacherss at the newly relaunched train station.
