Minister Creecy Hails Digital Smart Mobility Technology in Transport

The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) has embarked on a digital transformation journey aimed at securing both its infrastructure and passengers. As part of its broader strategy, the agency seeks to return to pre-COVID-19 operational levels, where it was transporting an impressive 600 million passengers annually. This significant initiative underscores PRASA’s commitment to modernizing South Africa’s public transportation system.

Speaking at the launch of the 2024 October Transport Month in the Eastern Cape, Minister Barbara Creecy emphasized the pivotal role that digital smart mobility solutions will play in safeguarding PRASA’s infrastructure and ensuring passenger safety. She highlighted that this technological leap will not only enhance the security of the rail network but also streamline operations, bringing the passenger rail system closer to global standards.

Rebuilding PRASA’s Rail Network

Minister Creecy acknowledged the challenges PRASA faced over the past few years, particularly in light of extensive vandalism and theft, which severely crippled passenger rail operations. However, the tide is turning. Thirty-one out of PRASA’s 40 priority rail lines have now been reintroduced into service, marking a crucial step towards full recovery.

The new digital smart mobility solutions will focus on the surveillance, tracking, and monitoring of rail services within the perimeter of rail depots. This includes the deployment of advanced technologies such as drones, automated monitoring systems, and AI-driven predictive maintenance tools to detect issues before they disrupt operations. By doing so, PRASA aims to prevent further vandalism and ensure that passenger services remain uninterrupted.

Beyond Rail: A National Approach to Smart Mobility

Minister Creecy highlighted that the adoption of smart mobility solutions extends beyond rail. These technologies will be integrated into broader transport infrastructure, including vehicle registration systems, weighbridges for monitoring road freight, and cross-border trade operations. This forms part of the government’s vision for a fully connected, efficient, and sustainable transport network across the country.

Last year, PRASA introduced the Integrated Port Management System (IPMS) as part of its digital vessel management system under the Transnet umbrella. This system allows real-time access to operational information, facilitating seamless tracking of freight movement within South Africa's ports. The expansion of such technologies to other sectors of the transport network will ensure a more efficient and secure system, enhancing the nation’s economic competitiveness.

The Future of Transport in South Africa

As the transport sector moves towards digitalization, the government’s focus on smart mobility technology underscores the importance of innovation in driving economic growth and improving public services. Minister Creecy reaffirmed that technology will be central to the country’s transport infrastructure, bringing long-term sustainability, security, and operational efficiency to PRASA and other transport entities.

With these initiatives, South Africa is taking bold steps toward creating a modern, digitally connected transport ecosystem that will benefit passengers, freight operators, and the economy at large