Building on the success of the Soweto Business Express unveiled on 03 July 2007, and following a commitment made during the launch of the SBE four months ago, SARCC extended this special service to commuters in Khayelitsha. The Minister of Transport Jeff Radebe, MP and the CEO of the South African Rail Commuter Corporation (SARCC) Lucky Montana unveiled this second service on Wednesday, 31 October 2007. Minister Radebe commended the SARCC on this innovative project and reaffirmed Government’s commitment to improving rail services and ensuring that public transport plays its role in the period leading to the successful hosting of the FIFA World Cup. “2010 provides us with the opportunity to take forward some of our long-term plans on public transport” remarked Minister Radebe. The Launch of the Khayelitsha Express formed part of the October Transport Month calendar of events where the Minister and other spheres of Government showcased delivery of transport infrastructure and our state of readiness leading to the hosting of the 2010 Soccer Spectacular.

The Khayelitsha Express is aimed at enhancing the Metrorail service as part of SARCC’s Turnaround Strategy. The Khayelitsha Express which started its first trip immediately after the launch caters largely for residents of Khayelitsha, Mandalay and Heideveld and has a maximum capacity of 300 hundred passengers. The express train is expected to reduce travelling between Khayelitsha and Cape Town by 15 minutes, while also providing for private car users through park and ride facilities.

The CEO applauded the Regional Manager Stephen Ngobeni and his team for delivering the product on time despite a tight work schedule “I have sat in three meetings with the team and must say that I have been impressed with the commitment and dedication displayed by the team as well as the high level of project management, which made it possible for the Region to deliver the project within two Months”.

The CEO assured commuters that express services are not being rolled out at the expense of other commuter rail services already in the offering. The express service is aimed at reducing travel times, offer comfort and convenience as part of our strategy to reposition Metrorail to ultimately contribute towards meeting the many public transport challenges, including traffic congestion especially during peak hours. “We are also delighted that the Soweto Business Express is already performing well over 65% and even more encouraged that tickets for the Khayelitsha Express were bought upfront” said the CEO.

The next express service will be launched on the 1st of April 2007 between Tshwane and Johannesburg. Dignitaries who graced the launch included the Acting Premier and Western Cape Minister of Community Safety Leonard Ramatlakane, Mayor of Cape Town, Hellen Zille as well as the Chairman of the SARCC Board of Control, Zukile Nomvete.