The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) is revitalising its long-distance services following the temporary disruption of services due to theft and vandalism of rail infrastructure and logistical issues.<\/P>
\u201cThe rise in fuel prices, road congestion and rising costs of accommodation have necessitated the business to respond to the demands and travel needs of long-distance travellers as per primary mandate,\u201d the agency said in a statement.<\/P>
This year, PRASA is focusing is on high-demand corridors, with work underway to revitalise the Johannesburg to Musina route.<\/P>
PRASA said the recovery work on the Musina route is at an advanced stage, with the resumption of services between Johannesburg and Makhado via Polokwane scheduled for 2 September 2022.<\/P>
\u201cPRASA is also pleased to announce that final preparations are underway for the special charter service to KwaZulu-Natal for the Comrades Marathon, as our statement of intent and commitment to recover the Johannesburg to KwaZulu-Natal route.<\/P>
\u201cThe introduction of the special charter train service forms part of Mainline Passenger Services\u2019 strategic pillars for revenue generation through special events and seasonal train services,\u201d the agency said.<\/P>
The service is open to anyone seeking to travel to KwaZulu-Natal on the weekend of Comrades Marathon, including runners, their families and the public looking for a getaway weekend to the province.<\/P>
\u201cGiven the high demand for accommodation and rising fuel costs, Shosholoza Meyl will be providing the public an alternative, safe, and affordable mode of long-distance travel during the 2022 Comrades Marathon weekend.<\/P>
\u201cThis will help alleviate traffic congestion on our roads and give Comrades runners and travellers some financial relief in an all-inclusive package. The service is split into two classes: the tourist class offered by our premier classe train and economy class,\u201d PRASA said.<\/P>
From as little as R870, the low-cost service provides a roundtrip on KZN\u2019s scenic routes and accommodation.<\/P>
Catering will be made available for purchase throughout the duration of the trip.<\/P>
\u201cWith premier classe, passengers can look forward to a roundtrip on the beautiful scenic route of KZN, luxurious accommodation, a hot shower, dinner and breakfast, and entertainment. Free massages and physiotherapy sessions will be provided courtesy of the Wits University\u2019s Physiotherapy Department.<\/P>
\u201cThe train departs on 26 August at 8am and returns to Johannesburg on 28 August after the marathon.<\/P>
\u201cThe 2022 Comrades Marathon has presented PRASA with an opportunity to demonstrate its commitment in recovering the corridors and quality services.<\/P>
\u201cIt is also an opportunity to demonstrate our resilience and endurance, and the spirit of team work as we recover our services,\u201d the agency said.<\/P>
Booking for the Comrades Marathon can be made on 011 013 0486 or 012 315 2090.<\/P>
Bookings for Johannesburg to Makhado bookings can be made on 086 000 8888. <\/P>
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Source: South African Government News Agency<\/P>
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The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) is revitalising its long-distance services following the temporary disruption of services due to theft and vandalism of rail infrastructure and logistical issues.\u201cThe rise in fuel prices, road congestio…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n