Rugby fans heading to the big All Blacks Tests have just been handed the easiest match-day plan in the country: let the train take the strain. The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) will run dedicated train services for the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry and Barbarian Tour fixtures in Gauteng and the Western Cape, including a free shuttle for ticket holders at Saturday’s Springboks showdown at Ellis Park.
The services cover three blockbuster matches: the Springboks against the All Blacks at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on Saturday 22 August, the Lions against the All Blacks at the same venue on Tuesday 25 August, and the Springboks’ second Test against the All Blacks at DHL Stadium in Cape Town on Saturday 29 August.
Free rides to the big one
For Saturday’s opening Test, PRASA will operate a free shuttle between Johannesburg Park Station and Ellis Park Station for anyone holding a valid match ticket. Trains will run every 15 minutes from 12:30pm to 8:30pm, with connections to and from Gautrain services at Park Station; the last Gautrain departs at 9pm.
For the Lions’ clash with the All Blacks on Tuesday 25 August, the shuttle between Park Station and Ellis Park runs every 15 minutes from 2:30pm to 10:30pm, with a return ticket costing just R20 and Gautrain connections available until the last departure at 11pm.
Cape Town gets extra trains too
In the Western Cape, PRASA will lay on additional services to carry the thousands of supporters expected at DHL Stadium for the second Springboks Test on 29 August. The extra trains offer a safe, reliable and convenient alternative to private transport, while easing the heavy match-day traffic expected around the Cape Town CBD and Green Point. Rail can move large numbers of spectators efficiently and takes real pressure off the roads.
“As the backbone of public transport, PRASA is committed to providing safe, reliable, affordable and convenient rail services that allow thousands of spectators to travel to and from major sporting events with ease and confidence,” the agency said in a statement on Friday.
Smart tips for a smooth journey
PRASA encourages supporters to arrive at their departure stations early and to buy return tickets before travelling, which cuts queues and makes for a smoother trip home after the final whistle. Commuters travelling on Isitimela Sabantu, and within all stations, are reminded to follow rail safety rules at all times.
Through partnerships with key stakeholders, the agency says it is steadily positioning rail as the public transport mode of choice for major events, a welcome sign of a passenger rail network getting back to doing what it does best. Further schedule details will be shared on PRASA’s official digital platforms, including its WhatsApp commuter groups, and fans can follow the agency on X, Facebook and Instagram for updates.
Service details were announced via SAnews.
Photo: commons.wikimedia.org
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