Commuting via rail in the City is about to become more expensive, as government-owned Passenger Railway Agency of South Africa (PRASA) officially announced a fare increase across its Metrorail network. This marks the first adjustment since 1 July 2015.
Effectively, travellers will pay about R30 for a return journey from Cape Town to Simon's Town, with off-peak discounts still applicable.
The rail agency explained that following extensive consultations with commuters and stakeholders, which concluded in 2023, the new fare structure will be implemented nationwide from 1 August.
@prasa_group Off-peak discounts Everyday 09:30 - 14:30 Off-peak Commuter services fares will be discounted effective from Monday the 13 November 2023 as follows: Between 09:30 and 14:30 on weekdays, weekends and public holidays. 50% Pensioners 40% Public/ Commuters 50% Scholars in uniform 10% Bulk Buying 50% Events #PeoplesTrain #rail #train #fyp #capetown #summer #beach ♬ original sound - 🦋andiswa🦋
What You Need To Know:
Travel zones
Fares are based on travel distances and divided into four zones:
- Zone 1 (Z1): 1km to 15km
- Zone 2 (Z2): 16km to 40km
- Zone 3 (Z3): 41km to 135km
- Zone 4 (Z4): 135km and above
New fare structure
Single Fares:
- Z1: Increased from R7.50 to R10
- Z2: Increased from R9.50 to R12
- Z3: Remains at R14
- Z4: Remains at R15
Return Fares:
- Z1: Increased from R14 to R20
- Z2: Increased from R18.50 to R24
- Z3: Remains at R28
- Z4: Remains at R30
Weekly Fares (Monday to Friday):
- Z1: Increased from R46 to R60
- Z2: Increased from R55 to R70
- Z3: Increased from R75 to R80
- Z4: Increased from R80 to R90
Weekly Fares (Monday to Saturday):
- Z1: Increased from R50 to R75
- Z2: Increased from R70 to R80
- Z3: Increased from R90 to R100
- Z4: Increased from R91 to R120
Monthly Fares:
- Z1: Increased from R142 to R240
- Z2: Increased from R190 to R300
- Z3: Increased from R235 to R320
- Z4: Increased from R260 to R350
Effective date
The new fare structure will take effect from 1 August 2025 nationwide.
Discounts still apply
PRASA has confirmed that the 50% discount for pensioners and military veterans will remain in effect for single and return tickets during off-peak hours (9 am to 2 pm). The new fares will also be discounted by 40% for normal travellers during these off-peak hours.
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@prasa_group Off-peak discounts Everyday 09:30 - 14:30 Off-peak Commuter services fares will be discounted effective from Monday the 13 November 2023 as follows: Between 09:30 and 14:30 on weekdays, weekends and public holidays. 50% Pensioners 40% Public/ Commuters 50% Scholars in uniform 10% Bulk Buying 50% Events #PeoplesTrain #rail #train #fyp #capetown #summer #beach ♬ original sound - 🦋andiswa🦋