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19 February 2009

The Department of Roads and Transport launched two new trains to form part of the Kei Rail line on Thursday, 19 February at the Amabele station near Mthatha.

Eastern Cape MEC for Roads and Transport Gloria Barry revealed two brand new sets of eleven coaches each. These coaches form part of the Kei Rail line between Mthatha and East London from Thursday, 19 February.

The new trains, which include secure sleeper coaches, a catering car and a luggage coach, offer business class travelling options for more discerning travellers, in addition to five economy coaches with space for 64 passengers each. Each new train is able to transport 464 passengers between Mthatha and East London.

The Kei Rail project forms part of the Eastern Cape's larger "Back to Rail" strategy, which aims to use the province's under utilised but extensive rail network to afford mobility to rural communities and integrate the so-called "Second Economy."

"This is a very important project, both for the department and for the people of the Eastern Cape," said MEC Barry. "Since Kei Rail rolled onto the tracks in March 2008, we've transported thousands of people across the eastern half of the province. These new coaches mean we can do it more efficiently and comfortably."

Tickets for the new Kei Rail trains are available at any station between East London and Mthatha.

For more information, please contact:
Ncedo Kumbaca
Cell: 082 442 2388

Issued by: Department of Roads and Transport, Eastern Cape Provincial Department
19 February 2009
Source: Eastern Cape Provincial Department (http://www.ecprov.gov.za)