PRASA to resume long-distance service from Musina

To take advantage of the holiday season and the festive rush, the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) is preparing to resume its Shosholoza Meyl long-distance rail services. This is especially good news for persons wishing to travel between Musina and Johannesburg via Polokwane.

The preparatory work follows the termination of services at the end of March 2021 because of Covid-19, which contributed to operational and logistical challenges. “Long-distance rail service cancellation had a negative impact on long-distance rail transportation, and our loyal customers were greatly inconvenienced. Given the high peak traffic volumes during the festive period and road fatalities, Shosholoza Meyl offers the public an alternative, safe and affordable mode of long-distance travel that will also help ease the congestion on our roads,” said PRASA in a press release.

PRASA resumed its Shosholoza Meyl services this week. It will make its first trip to Musina from Johannesburg via Polokwane on 23 December 2021 at 19:00 and depart back to Johannesburg (from Musina via Polokwane) on Sunday, 26 December 2021 at 15:25. On 30 December it will leave Johannesburg again at 19:00 for Musina, travelling back from the border town to Johannesburg on 2 January 2022 at 15:25.

Special focus will be given to several areas when services resume, including an improved customer experience, customer and employee health and safety; screening of staff and customers before and during travel; social distancing at waiting areas/sales offices/platforms and onboard the train; and the sanitising of trains before departure, en-route, and at destination stations.

“Customers are reminded that the serving of food on the trains is still prohibited, and customers should bring enough food/drinks for the duration of their journey. Limited accommodation is available, and it is recommended that customers make a booking and finalise their travel arrangements well in advance by phoning our National Call Centre on 086 000 8888,” said PRASA.

Date:16 December 2021

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