Routes schedule: Shosholoza Meyl’s long-distance trains for December

Shosholoza Meyl’s long-distance train routes schedule are available again after a year’s absence, this is sweet news if you hated public transport like buses, taxis, or airplanes.

Prasa made the glorious announcement last week.

LONG-DISTANCE TRAINS RETURN

As confirmed via a press statement ahead of the festive service rush, the Passenger Rail Agency of SA’s (Prasa) said its long-distance passenger trains will kick off operations as of Wednesday, December 15 – which is nearly a year since the last service.

The long-distance trains were forced to suspend services in January 2021, thanks to Covid-19 and extreme vandalism on many essential routes.

“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.

SHOSHOLOZA MEYL DECEMBER ROUTES SCHEDULE

The public transport firm confirmed the routes schedule starting from Wednesday 15 December. These will include Johannesburg to East London; Johannesburg to Gqeberha; Johannesburg to Bloemfontein (via Kimberley); and Johannesburg to Musina (via Polokwane).

Rides will depart stations between Wednesday up to Sunday. Departure times will range from 13:15 to 18:00 from various destinations.

• 

• 

• 

Images: Shosholoza Meyl

PRASA FIRES CEO MATTHEWS

In other recent Prasa news, the entity’s board has announced Matthews has been fired, effective immediately.

PRASA had placed Matthews on suspension for failing to disclose the fact that he holds British citizenship. At the time, the rail agency said the news came as a shock and that after going through a declaration form signed by Matthews back in May, it was evident that he deliberately concealed this fact.

“The Board of Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) at its meeting of the 29 November 2021, unanimously resolved to terminate with immediate effect the employment contract of its GCEO, Mr Zolani Kgosietsile Matthews.

“This is in line with a provision in clause 11 of his employment contract. This followed an investigation by seasoned senior counsel that established whether Mr Matthews deliberately and intentionally failed to disclose material information to PRASA in respect of his dual citizenship.”

Prasa spokesperson Andiswa Makanda.