As part of its long-term investment pro- gramme to upgrade and modernise its stations and rail network, State-owned Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) has identified several train stations that require upgrading and modernisation.

These stations have been identified in terms of user-friendliness, navigation, ease of access for people with disabilities and higher-than-normal passenger numbers, besides other factors.

Prasa has identified several stations in Gauteng, including Mabopane, Pretoria, Germiston, Johannesburg and Naledi; in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), including Umlazi, Durban, KwaMashu and Bridge City; and in the Western Cape, including Khayelitsha and Kapteinsklip.

Phase 1 of the R5.4-billion station-moderni- sation project includes work on an initial 20 super-core stations, which are the busiest train stations, such as Cape Town and Khayelitsha. Phase 2 will entail work on a further 64 super-core and core stations.

These modernisation projects will be followed by Phase 3, in which a further 50 intermediate, small and halt stations will be modernised, says Prasa strategy, asset and development group executive Piet Sebola.

The integrated station asset-management systems programme entails the installation of technology to manage fare evasion, access and ticketing. It also makes provision for the installation of closed-circuit television and bidirectional railway-communication protocol systems, as well as help points and display boards throughout the stations.

“The modernisation of the stations will improve revenue collection, station operation and commuter access in and out of the stations. It will also provide universal access to the stations,” says Sebola.

Meanwhile, Prasa has embarked on a R1.7-billion integrated station asset-management systems programme.

This programme is being undertaken at about 72 stations in southern and northern Gauteng, the Western Cape and KZN. The asset-management systems programme is currently 68% completed, with 41 stations already having been upgraded.

Prasa expects this programme to reduce the number of fatalities caused by trespassing; increase revenue, as a result of more effective fare-evasion management; secure assets at station level; and reduce train delays and cancellations, owing to vandalism and sabotage.

Further, Prasa will undertake a R5-billion depot-modernisation programme at its existing rolling stock maintenance depots in northern and southern Gauteng, the Western Cape and KZN.

The entire depot-modernisation programme is expected to be commissioned by April 2015.