Now is the time for the South African private sector to invest in PRASA, says Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy. She has just released Requests for Information (RFIs) for those who would like to invest in PRASA and save the passenger rail agency.
It’s a move she sees as essential to restoring reliable public transport and driving economic growth. The ability to privately invest in PRASA was unveiled at a function in Pretoria last Sunday 26 October 2025. The RFI announcement for the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa coincides with results from an earlier freight rail and port RFI.
INVEST IN PRASA
If you’ll recall, the minister recently put out a similar private-sector call for investment into Transnet’s Port and Rail services. It turns out this was highly successful, with 162 submissions from both local and international investors.
“We are releasing Requests for Information (RFIs) for private partners who are interested to invest in PRASA. Because the passenger rail system requires additional investment that cannot be carried by the fiscus alone,” explained Creecy.
77-MILLION JOURNEYS RECORDED EACH YEAR
As such, since the COVID pandemic, PRASA has successfully reopened 35 of its 40 passenger corridors, with 7-million annual passenger journeys recorded. However, innovative ideas and investment are needed to sustain its recovery. Therefore, the RFIs cover a range of modernisation projects – from efficiency to technology, safety and affordability.
If you invest in PRASSA, your funds may go towards the introduction of a smart digital ticket system. Like an Oyster Card in London, Creecy envisages this as single tap-and-go card for all trains, buses and minibus taxis in South Africa. “There will be no more queues or paper tickets. Just one digital account that makes travel easier and manages revenue transparently,” Creecy said.
WOULD YOU INVEST IN PRASA?
Moreover, PRASA plans to install a new fibre network alongside its railway lines. “Private partners can help us turn that network into a source of income for by offering broadband and digital services. And improving safety and real-time communication across the rail system,” said Creecy.
Using upgraded lines already in existence for new high-speed routes, Creecy envisions trains that will be able to travel at speeds of up to 200 km/h – 300 km/h between Johannesburg and Durban. “If you invest in PRASA, these lines will shorten travel time and cost. As well as take pressure off our roads, and stimulate new development along each route,” Creecy explained.
“These RFIs are not tenders, they are an open invitation to invest in PRASA. An opportunity for the market to help us design the future of passenger rail in South Africa,” concluded the minister.
What do you think? Is PRASA worth saving or should be consign ourselves to minibus taxis for public transport? Let us know in the comments section below …
