Se-Anne Rall|Published
The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) has introduced 17 new long-distance buses equipped with advanced safety technology to its City-to-City fleet, marking its first fleet acquisition of this kind since 2010.
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy announced the launch in Pretoria as part of October Transport Month, which is being observed under the theme: “Building a safe, sustainable, reliable and affordable transport system.”
The new coaches form part of a broader fleet renewal programme aimed at strengthening PRASA’s long-distance bus operations and providing passengers with safer, more reliable travel between cities, towns and rural communities.
Advanced safety technology
The new coaches are equipped with safety features including lane assistance, following-distance monitoring and vehicle stability systems.
Creecy said drivers would receive support through monitoring and targeted training, while a control centre would oversee incidents along routes.
“The operation is designed to run on a ring-fenced basis and to sustain itself financially,” she said.
The Minister added that the services were intended to complement long-distance rail over time, giving families another affordable transport option.
“Whether on a suburban line or a long-distance route, our purpose remains the same: safe, reliable and affordable public transport that connects people to opportunity,” Creecy said.
Fleet expansion by 2030
The 17 buses are the first phase of a planned expansion that will see dozens more coaches added over the next two financial years.
A further 30 coaches are planned for the 2027/28 financial year, followed by another 48 in 2028/29.
This would bring the total to 95 modern coaches, with the fleet renewal programme expected to be completed by 2030.
PRASA rebuilds long-distance and commuter services
Creecy said the acquisition followed a difficult restructuring process involving PRASA management, organised labour, the agency’s board and its shareholder.
She said the process required sacrifices from all parties involved.
The new fleet forms part of wider efforts by PRASA to revitalise the country’s passenger transport services.
These efforts have included restoring railway infrastructure, improving safety, upgrading signalling systems and enhancing the reliability of commuter services.
“Not only have we witnessed the rebuilding of rail within PRASA, but we have also seen significant progress within their Long-Distance Passenger Services as well as secondary mandate,” Creecy said.
IOL