The reinstatement of train service from Parow Station on Metrorail’s Northern Line in Cape Town has provided the neighboring towns with much-needed financial relief.
Prior to its closure in March 2020, at the onset of the Covid shutdown, Parow was one of the busiest stations. Commuters had to walk to Tygerberg and Elsies River to catch a train to Cape Town during the stoppage. A cab ride along this 30-minute journey costs approximately R14.
In March of last year, we reported that Metrorail had reinstated Northern Line service via Goodwood, but that trains were not stopping at Parow. On the Parow North-Montevista line, trains continue to bypass Degrendale Station.
On Monday morning, we met with a dozen commuters who were utilizing the station for the first time since 2020.
Ralton Davids was traveling to his place of employment as a caregiver in Claremont. He was ecstatic to be using the Parow station again after traveling 45 minutes from the Cravenby station to the Tygerberg station.
THE STATION WAS ONE OF THE BUSIEST STATIONS ON THE NORTHERN LINE
“Sometimes I would walk in the rain or take the bus. The bus fare from Parow is R30. Then, I must transfer to the R44 bus in Woodstock to reach Claremont. However, a rail trip would cost R8. A weekly rail pass costs R50. “I’m glad I can now save money for other things and buy more groceries,” he remarked.
Esnath, who works in Tokai, reported spending approximately R2,000 on alternative modes of transportation from Parow to Tokai. Taxis cost R18 from Parow to Bellville, R20 from Bellville to Wynberg, and R12 from Wynberg to Tokai. And then I would have to travel back home and repeat the process seven days a week.
By resuming train travel, her monthly transportation costs will decrease to R400.
Franchesca Walker, ward councillor for Parow, told GroundUp that she met with PRASA and Transnet officials on 17 January 2023 to discuss the reopening of Parow Station. “We applaud the station upgrades and look forward to the full plan once Parow Station and Bishop Lavis Station are completed.”
Metrorail spokeswoman Zinobulali Mihi stated that the Degrendale and Bishop Lavis stations had been severely vandalized and are currently undergoing renovations. The only train that operates in Bishop Lavis is a shuttle between Ysterplaat and Bellville.
PRASA stated in a statement dated 30 January, “Parow station is one of the busiest stations in area North, with high commuter volumes, as it is adjacent to industrial areas including high schools, tertiary institutions such as Unisa, Northlink College, the University of the Western Cape (UWC), hospitals, malls, and shopping centres.”
PRASA stated that the reinstated service will be available just throughout the week for the time being. We will provide additional updates as we continue to monitor and enhance the service.
»Trains have returned to one of Cape Town’s busiest stations, bringing relief to commuters«