Speaking at the “Back to Rail – Connecting the Eastern Cape” conference, Mhlahlo said the service would also link up with the Shosholoza Meyl train service operating between East London and Johannesburg, except on Wednesday and Saturday.
He said to enhance and support the service, the department was currently involved with the refurbishment of 20 passenger coaches at a cost of R30-million.
The latest figures indicate 240 passengers are transported between East London and Mthatha on Friday evening at present and 260 on the return trip on Sunday at a cost of R30, as opposed to R80 by taxi.
Mhlahlo also announced that his department was currently concluding an agreement with Section 21 company Apple Express to ensure that a tourism service was provided on the Port Elizabeth-Avontuur line.
He said the agreement would see heritage rolling stock refurbished to provide tourism services as well as a passenger service to the rural communities of Patensie and Humansdorp.
“We are further concluding an agreement with the South African Rail Commuter Corporation (SARCC) and Metrorail to ensure passenger operations within the Port Elizabeth area are provided along with the narrow gauge line. As part of the World Cup preparations, the department will ensure this line is operational and a passenger service to the Langkloof provided.”
The MEC said more emphasis would be placed on the construction of loops within Motherwell and the Coega IDZ “to ensure better utilisation of rail as both a public transport mode and for freight transportation”. Discussions were taking place on this with SARCC and Metrorail.
Mhlahlo also announced a rail service between East London and King William‘s Town would become operational from October 1 to ensure a daily commuter service.
He added that the line between King William‘s Town and Alice would also become operational with a particular focus on Fort Hare students.