Local commuters celebrated the return of the train service to Strand last week. The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) reinstated the train service from Cape Town to Bellville and Bellville to Strand via Monte Vista as part of the Northern Line. This restoration followed extensive repairs to the network and local station, addressing the damage caused by major vandalism during the COVID-19 pandemic, as part of Metrorail Western Cape's infrastructure rebuilding efforts.

Zinobulali Mihi, a Prasa spokesperson, expressed gratitude to customers and stakeholders for their patience and support during the service recovery period. Commuters can anticipate a modernized service with new trains, improved facilities at Bellville Station, and a revamped signaling network designed to meet customer expectations.

The trains resumed service from Strand Railway Station starting on Friday, October 27. Commuters traveling from Strand to Cape Town have multiple options on weekdays (Monday to Friday) with trains departing at 04:10, 06:00, and 07:45 in the morning, and another at 17:20 in the evening. Among these, the 06:00 train has proven particularly popular, attracting the most passengers.

Commuters have also expressed their appreciation for the affordability of this mode of transport, with an average round-trip ticket costing just R15.

Ward 83 Councillor Carl Punt welcomed the return of the train service to Strand, emphasizing the significant role of rail transport in Cape Town's overall transportation system. He expressed hope that Prasa management could restore the service to its previous level, providing relief to commuters affected by rising food and fuel prices, reducing transportation costs, and easing road congestion. Additionally, the new blue trains are expected to enhance safety and protect Prasa's infrastructure more effectively. The community's hope is that commuters will return to rail transport, ensuring its reliability and continuous improvement.

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