The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) has dismissed allegations that the absence of a service level plan (SLP) with the City of Cape Town could lead to a complete breakdown of the railway system in the metro, Cape {town} Etc reports.
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This assertion comes from court documents filed by Prasa in response to a legal challenge from the civil society organisation #UniteBehind, which seeks to compel Prasa to transfer control of the railway system to the City.
In October of last year, #UniteBehind approached the Western Cape High Court, arguing for intervention to address what it termed the deterioration of Cape Town’s commuter rail. However, Prasa contends that progress has been made without an SLP, asserting that the railway crisis can still be resolved. The SLP is intended to outline the roles and responsibilities of both Prasa and the City concerning commuter rail services, ensuring that Prasa improves and maintains these services.
Prasa also refuted claims that it has refused to collaborate with the City on developing an SLP. According to the agency, its CEO and other officials engaged in discussions with Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis and city representatives in May 2023 regarding commuter rail issues. Prasa stated that while the draft SLP was reviewed internally, its management believed finalising the plan at that time was premature due to the railway system’s underperformance.
The agency highlighted a letter from #UniteBehind to Hill-Lewis, which indicated the organisation’s intent to escalate legal proceedings concerning SLPs and Prasa’s governance. In the letter, #UniteBehind questioned the status of the City’s engagement with Prasa and whether it faced any resistance.
While #UniteBehind is not seeking direct action against the City, it requested the completion of the SLP with Prasa and the City’s intermediate report on a devolution feasibility study. Prasa responded by expressing skepticism about #UniteBehind’s motives, suggesting the organisation’s true aim is to portray Prasa negatively while benefiting the City.
The City had previously sent Prasa a draft SLP in July, with Hill-Lewis emphasising that it was up to Prasa to finalise the agreement. #UniteBehind’s director, Zackie Achmat, criticized Prasa for failing to conclude an SLP, asserting that this omission violates the National Land Transport Act.
According to #UniteBehind, an enforceable SLP would facilitate joint planning between Prasa and the City, setting clear targets and outcomes. They argue that Prasa’s conduct indicates a lack of good faith in negotiating the SLP, and both Prasa and the transport minister’s failure to cooperate with the City is deemed unconstitutional.
The City continues to advocate for management control of rail services, believing an SLP would enhance collaboration between the parties.
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Picture: @PRASA_Group / X
CapeTown ETC
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