Western Cape's call for urgent rail devolution amid national transport reforms

The Western Cape has welcomed what it describes as bold, forward-looking national transport reforms, saying they align closely with provincial priorities while renewing calls for a clear timeline on devolving passenger rail to capable provinces.

Western Cape Mobility Minister Isaac Sileku was responding to reforms outlined by National Transport Minister Barbara Creecy during a recent sector-wide strategic planning session.

Central to the reforms is a review of the grant funding model for Integrated Public Transport Networks (IPTNs), which Sileku said was critical to ensuring transport investment reflects real operating costs and performance.

For the Western Cape, the issue is particularly acute given the scale and reliability of its bus-based systems, including MyCiTi, Golden Arrow and Go George, which have absorbed growing commuter demand amid persistent challenges in passenger rail.

“A reliable, safe and adequately subsidised public transport network is fundamental to restoring dignity to commuters and supporting an integrated mobility ecosystem,” Sileku said.

He also welcomed the decision to release unused strategic branch freight rail lines to producers and the private sector, saying the move could unlock economic activity, support exporters and strengthen logistics corridors that underpin the provincial economy.

However, he cautioned that the full benefits would depend on improved coordination across ports and provinces to create a nationally integrated logistics system that reduces delays and improves competitiveness.

Sileku said the provincial Department of Mobility would work “intensively in the coming months” to ensure the reforms translate into tangible benefits for Western Cape residents.

Commenting specifically on rail, he noted that while no formal announcement had yet been made on devolving passenger rail, the reforms were aligned with the province’s long-standing position.

“Although no specific announcement has yet been made on devolving passenger rail to capable provinces, these reforms are fully aligned with our ongoing call for passenger rail devolution,” Sileku said. “We look forward to engaging Minister Creecy on a specific timeline for rail devolution.”

The statement comes against the backdrop of ongoing pressure on Cape Town’s passenger rail system, where safety concerns, service disruptions and declining reliability have continued to push commuters towards bus services, even as funding constraints remain a key concern for provincial and municipal authorities.

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