What are the functions of Prasa?

The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) is a South African state-owned enterprise responsible for most passenger rail services in the country.

It consists of four branches: Metrorail, which operates commuter rail services in urban areas; Shosholoza Meyl, which operates regional and inter-city rail services; Autopax, which operates regional and inter-city coach services; and PRASA Cres, which manages the property owned by PRASA.

The main objective and main business of PRASA is to:

  • Ensure that, at the request of the Department of Transport, for rail commuter services are provided within, to and from the Republic in the public interest, and
  • Provide, in accordance with the Department of Transport, for long haul passenger rail and bus services within, to and from the Republic in terms of the principles set out in section 4 of the National Land Transport Transition Act, 2000 (Act No. 22 of 2000)

The second objective and secondary business of PRASA is that:

  • PRASA shall generate income from the exploitation of assets acquired by it, which include real estate and property portfolio.
  • A further requirement is that, in carrying out its objectives and business, PRASA shall have due regard for key Government, social, economic and transport imperatives and policy objectives.

As a public entity, Government initiatives remain a strategy driver for PRASA. This is manifested through legislation, government policies and strategies, such as:

  • National Transport Policy
  • Public Transport Strategy
  • Legislation such as the National Land Transport Act
  • Green Paper on Rail, and
  • Economic Strategy and Job creation initiatives

Salient Features

  • Rail track: 2228 Kilometres rail tracks countrywide
  • Train Stations: 585 countrywide
  • Total Fleet:  1,311 motor coaches and 3424 trailer coaches = 4554
  • Metrorail: 525 million passenger trips per annum
  • MLPS: 1,082 million passengers per annum
  • Autopax:  3,157 million passengers per annum | 553 buses

Did You Know : Top 15 Free Online Learning Platforms

  1. Free Online Education Degrees : Coursera:

    Coursera partners with universities and organizations worldwide to offer a wide range of courses. While many courses are free, a fee is often required for certification.

  2. Free Online Education Degrees: edX:

    Founded by MIT and Harvard, edX offers high-quality courses from top universities and institutions around the world. Certificates are available for a fee.

  3. Free Online Education Degrees : Khan Academy:

    Khan Academy provides free educational content in various subjects, especially mathematics and science, using instructional videos and practice exercises.

  4. Free Online Education Degrees : Udacity:

    Udacity focuses on tech-related courses and nanodegree programs, offering free content as well as more in-depth paid programs.

  5. Free Online Education Degrees : MIT OpenCourseWare (OCW):

    MIT OCW provides a vast array of MIT's course content for free, covering a wide range of disciplines.

  6. Free Online Education Degrees : Harvard Extension School:

    Harvard Extension School offers a selection of free online courses. While some courses are free, others may require payment for a certificate.

  7. Free Online Education Degrees: Stanford Online:

    Stanford Online offers a variety of free courses in different disciplines, including computer science, engineering, and business.

  8. Best Free Online Courses : Carnegie Mellon Open Learning Initiative (OLI):

    OLI offers free online courses and resources designed to improve learning outcomes through research-based methodologies.

  9. Best Free Online Courses : FutureLearn:

    FutureLearn partners with universities and institutions to offer a diverse range of free online courses. Certificates are available for a fee.

  10. Best Free Online Courses: Alison:

    Alison offers a wide range of free online courses, including diploma and certificate programs, covering various subjects.

  11. Best Free Online Courses: Open Yale Courses:

    Yale University provides free access to a selection of introductory courses through Open Yale Courses.

  12. Best Free Online Courses : UC Berkeley Online:

    UC Berkeley offers free online courses on a variety of subjects, ranging from computer science to humanities.

  13. Best Free Online Courses : Google Digital Garage:

    Google Digital Garage provides free courses on digital skills, including online marketing, data analysis, and more.

  14. Best Free Online Courses : Codecademy:

    Codecademy offers free coding courses, interactive exercises, and coding projects to help individuals learn programming languages.

  15. Best Free Online Courses : LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com):

    LinkedIn Learning provides a variety of video courses on professional development, technology, and creative skills. It offers a free trial period.