PRASA

PRASA (Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa) is a state-owned enterprise responsible for providing commuter rail and long-distance passenger rail services in South Africa. The agency operates under the Department of Transport and was established to consolidate and manage the country's passenger rail operations. PRASA's primary mandate is to provide safe, reliable and affordable public transport to millions of South Africans, particularly in urban areas where commuter rail forms a critical part of the public transport network. The agency operates Metrorail, which provides commuter services in major metropolitan areas including Gauteng, Cape Town, Durban and Port Elizabeth, as well as Autopax, which runs long-distance bus services. PRASA is also responsible for the modernisation and maintenance of rail infrastructure, rolling stock and stations across its network. The organisation has faced significant challenges in recent years, including ageing infrastructure, vandalism, theft of rail components and operational inefficiencies that have affected service reliability. PRASA's capital investment programme has focused on procuring new trains and upgrading stations to improve passenger experience and safety. The agency plays a vital role in South Africa's transport policy, particularly in efforts to reduce road congestion and provide affordable mobility for low-income commuters. PRASA was established in 2009 through the merger of several transport entities to create a unified passenger rail authority.