Update on train stations
Witpoortjie, Horison, West Rand and Newclare stations have still not recovered.
Train stations were the pride of the community for decades. It not only serves as a lifeline that connects people to their destinations but also offers effective and affordable transportation. However, the Covid-19 pandemic forced the closure of the Metrorail stations running from Randfontein to Johannesburg Park Station.
The once-thriving stations fell into disarray, being vandalised and becoming a haven for drug dealers and vagrants. But in March 2024, the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) took a significant step towards restoring the network by reopening the Florida to Johannesburg Park Station route, and this was followed by the reopening of the Roodepoort Station in May 2024.
According to Andiswa Makanda, the Gauteng Metrorail spokesperson, more stations have been reopened, including Randfontein, Krugersdorp, Luipaardsvlei, and additional stop-and-halt stations like Hamberg, Florida, Unified and Bosmont.
Construction progress on the stations is as follows:
• Princess is 25% complete with a target completion date of March 30
• Maraisburg is 80% complete with a target completion date of March 15 and
• Hamberg is 95% complete with a target completion date of February 15, barring any unforeseen delays
“Due to budget allocations, some stations closer to the bigger stations where there is a demand were not part of the 2023/ 24 financial year planning. Newclare, Homelake, West Rand, Witpoortjie and Horison stations fall into this category. We will communicate stations targeted for the 2025/ 25 financial year once this information is confirmed,” states Makanda.
Additionally, Prasa has plans to upgrade existing infrastructure and build new stations. The Westbury ticket office is slated for construction in the 2025/ 26 financial year, while Robinson Station is expected to be recovered in the 2026/ 27 financial year.
