Metrorail Western Cape has announced the long-awaited reopening of the Kapteinsklip Line, which will resume operations on Monday 23 February.
The rail service announced the reopening via a press statement on its Twitter account.
According to the statement, the line will reconnect four key stations, Philippi, Lentegeur, Mitchells Plain, and Kapteinsklip, restoring vital rail links for thousands of commuters in these communities.
The railway operator confirmed that a limited service will operate between the four stations when operations recommence. No details were provided regarding the frequency of trains or operating hours during the initial phase.
The Kapteinsklip Line forms part of Metrorail’s Central Line network, which has faced significant disruptions in recent years due to infrastructure challenges and vandalism.
Mitchells Plain has been without a rail service since 2019 when Prasa closed the lines due to debilitating vandalism. Attempts to reopen the line has been hampered by a multitude of problems including squatters on the rails.
For decades the trains had been a lifeline for the Cape Flats and thousands of commuters from Mitchells Plain had used the service daily to get to work because it is the most affordable mode of public transport.
The reopening represents a significant step forward for public transport connectivity in the area, where many residents rely on rail services for daily commuting to work and other essential activities.
The announcement was made on Thursday 19 February, just four days before the scheduled reopening.
