Shosholoza Meyl long distance train returns

After a two-year pause, the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa has announced the return of its Shosholoza Meyl long-distance train. It will service the Johannesburg to Durban and Joburg to Cape Town routes. The service was halted due to the agency's operational challenges. Duduzile Ramela speaks to PRASA spokesperson Andiswa Makanda.
Tune into Newzroom Afrika DStv channel 405 for more.

[@mrmanq9517]

Took the sleeper train as an entire high school, was one of the BEST experiences ever 🙌

[@aboveandbeyondfamily]

Most South Africans have fond memories of traveling by train with their parents. This will boost the economy and bring this experience to our kids. Thank you. Hope security will be of high quality.

[@omarinewton1380]

It’s good to see some people in South Africa trying their best to hold the place together.

[@nthabisengmasia8988]

Can we get infrastructure for Limpopo an Eastern Cape .

[@elynwilliams7833]

Great news but people need to keep the train clean

[@SydneyD28-6]

THIS IS *GREAT* NEWS

[@mirriamduma4959]

💃💃💃💃💃💃 syabonga kakhulu upgrade security

[@EphraimSibiya-rh5hc]

Yes Shosholoza Meyl return is welcome.It will ease the way of travel for us from Rural Areas of Mpumalanga and Limpopo.Not for Festive Season but sustainable.We can be relief from congestion on our roads and to hire for groups.No TollGates and packed like Sardines for long travel.

[@thandigloria8710]

I wish it can go to Eastern Cape

[@views_by_mali]

I just need it to travel to Mpumalanga and I'm yours for life Shosholoza😆😁👏🏾

[@rowaidhaessop8684]

If it's anything woww..make it happen transnet..make safety and security the priority and u won't go wrong..❤

[@AndrewMcFarlane_1]

I enjoyed going on the train in 2008 to PE from JHB but with the crime levels and rail vandalism im not sire they will have a reliable service. Hope im wrong

[@jameskillu9171]

This is good news, train is safer than road.

[@AndrewMcFarlane_1]

Are you sure in SA?

[@MmetxaRuth-sp7km]

You are not from SA clearly

[@TshepoNkadimeng5]

This is beautiful i need to get on this train! ❤🎉

[@abongilengwane5632]

Fully booked for the whole of December...I'm so hurt I really wanted to go home.

[@cassiecarstens3817]

Have tried to do bookings for past week.... no answer... phone keeps on rigning, cannot book online..... trail looks great butt service already a huge problem...😮

[@dumirose9174]

Thanks so much, the Lord bless you all,i can't wait to take a train again

[@mzoxolomdiza2649]

That Queenstown line used to run to East London but now from Queenstown to East London the line is vandalized

[@user-mk2hm2zr7n]

Have to sell my farm to travel on the Shosholoza from JBH TO CPT😊😊😊

[@livingsimply68]

This is such great news. Thank you 😊

[@vliegi]

But when? Because they say it’s operating between Joburg and Cape Town but it actually isn’t. I have tried to book to take a trip to Joburg and for family to visit us but it’s actually not operational yet.

[@baloyileso1322]

Spokesperson is beautiful

[@MrRobertzingela]

Bro say that again

[@sindytabata6736]

Is Shosholoza Meryl available after 21st of December from Joburg to Queenstown

[@mynhardtsaayman1]

Fantastic

[@curiousk4083]

Great new but loadsheeding is 😂😂😂. Our government needs to understand how to fix everything 😢

[@mzoxolomdiza2649]

The rail network was abandoned and run down by anc incompetence and corruption some people could even travel from CT to EC withiout paying a cent thats how useless this company could be

[@gloriousgolwelwang9944]

Good day, what time does the train leave Johanesburg to Durban sharw the arrival times also

[@jhay5925]

What about Bloemfontein which is the Central point?

[@siyabongangubeni9042]

The one that doesn't keep time .I took it eight hours to travel from Newcastle to JHB traveling at 30km/h and making 2000 stops . finally at 13pm it left Newcastle at 5am and it was late should have departed at 12am

[@thandodonsi2200]

When was this?

[@peterpooe3145]

What about JHB to Komatipoort and Other places

[@MidnightTheOne]

Did she say 18 hours to Durban? You can drive that in 6 hours 🤣 But fair play, food, drinks and beds, sounds good. And it's cheap AF

[@michaeldeutschmann5992]

what does this train run on? to take this long to travel to Durban must be pulled by donkey .

[@MrRobertzingela]

Lol

[@ayadumaqonono9784]

Didn't face operational challenges, it faced corruption under Jacob Zuma.

[@forbiddenson9788]

That's very cheap and convenient but Chile, traveling 30hrs on a train, you sure about that

[@gibsonmboana8292]

What about main line trains that shosholoza is bad news

[@zikhalisiyabonga6018]

Only to find thugs waiting for you at your stops

[@user-oy8xj4lr3g]

Hawkers will be able to make money again and sell in the train.

[@emmanuenkhumeleni4595]

Is the train air-conditioned?

[@user-oy8xj4lr3g]

No from old train.I'm not sure with new trains.

[@juba9000]

the new ones yes, they even have a heater

[@matchit100]

There are no long distance trains running, a donkey and cart could do a better job.