The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA), on July 1, 2020 resumed limited operations after the lockdown put in place to curb the spread of Covid-19 ground it operations to a halt in March, 2020, the South African Government News Agency has announced.
In a statement, PRASA urged commuters to arrive at stations earlier than usual to accommodate time for screening and hand sanitization on the premises.
“During this period, informal traders will not be allowed to operate outside the station gate, inside the station, on the platforms and inside the trains,” said the agency.
“Furthermore, no eating or drinking will be allowed inside the stations and trains.”
For now, the Gauteng line will operate between Piennarspoort and Pretoria Stations between 5 and 9 am and between 3 to 7 pm while the Western Cape line will operate between Cape Town and Retreat Stations between 5 and 9 am and between 3 to 7 pm.
The Eastern Cape line will operate the East London and Port Elizabeth lines between 5.15 and 8 am and between 3.30 to 6.40 pm.
PRASA added that passengers exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms would not be allowed inside the stations but would be placed in a holding facility, where health authorities would attend to them.
“Commuters are urged not to travel if they are feeling unwell, but instead they should stay at home and seek medical advice,” added the authority.
It also encouraged passengers to observe the one seat social distance markers inside the train, as well as the social distance markings next to the ticket office and at the platforms at all times.
