Hisham Emeran, acting group chief executive officer of the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA), has welcomed the high demand for long-distance bus and rail services as the agency prepares for holiday travel at several intermodal stations.
The large number of travellers, according to Emeran, is evidence that holiday travel is gradually returning to pre-pandemic levels.
“This is a huge relief for the business given the devastating blow we were dealt with during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is also an indication of the importance of intermodal passenger travel.
“As a business, we aspire for our stations to be convenient integrated one-stop facilities for travel, shopping, while providing for fast-food restaurants for people on the go. We also hope that our customers enjoy the new improvements at our stations and the retail experience,” he said.
During this season, Park Station sees between 200,000 and 300,000 passengers per day, making it one of the largest and busiest stations on the continent.
“As a result, our intermodal stations, Park Station and Pretoria Station have ramped up their operational plans and improved terminal capacity to meet the pressure of the high volume of passengers especially in the last days leading-up to Christmas,” PRASA said on Thursday.
In order to meet the increasing demand for long-distance bus travel, Park Station has developed a new terminal for five additional bus operators, bringing the total number of bus operators at the station to24, while Pretoria Station is rehabilitating its entry points to reduce traffic congestion.
“The increase in passengers also provides economic opportunities for informal traders and porters. Park Station remains a vital space to sustain the livelihoods and survival of the informal economy.
“Thus, plans have been put in place to manage and support porters and informal traders while ensuring a safe environment for passengers and patrons,” PRASA said.
For the ease of last-minute shopping by travellers and the general public, Park Station has welcomed more retailers.
“Patrons and travellers can also look forward to the festive look and feel of the station in celebration of Christmas and for their enjoyment. Visitors can also create meaningful Christmas memories as photo booths have been introduced at various parts of Park Station,” PRASA said.
Other plans include the maintenance and repair of facilities, as well as the construction of eight brand-new energy-efficient, high-tech, high-specification escalators at Park Station to provide a pleasant experience for passengers and customers.
PRASA continues to place a premium on the safety and security of travellers and patrons.
“Our security plans have been bolstered with an adjusted security plan and more resources to meet the additional travellers and their safety.
“Security announcements are being made to alert travellers to be vigilant. Lastly, our visible patrols are more frequent throughout the day and night,” PRASA Acting Head of Security Alexio Papadopulo said.
The building of a new terminal for the new bus operators creates a safe, regulated, and orderly environment for passengers and bus operators.
Also in high demand are the agency’s long-distance passenger services.
On Friday, Shosholoza Meyl will provide its last service of the year for the Eastern Cape routes between Musina and Queenstown.
Both train services are completely filled, although reservations are still being accepted for the new year.
Translux and City to City, which provide Autopax bus services to over 100 locations in South Africa, will operate at full capacity and stay completely booked.
“PRASA would like to advise travellers to plan ahead their journeys, prepare for long queues, and make sure they arrive promptly at the stations for a smoother journey. This week will see a huge surge of people heading for various holiday destinations.
“The Agency is pleased to remain at the forefront of an integrated transport system that responds to the needs of the economy and diverse demands of the public including offering convenient multimodal transport options to reach their final destinations,” PRASA said.
»PRASA gears up for holiday travel at various intermodal stations«