ONE of the best value and arguably one of the most breathtaking short train trips in the world, is at last boosting its image for tourism and could become operator Metrorail's only profit-making service in the Western Cape, while helping alleviate increasing pressure on roads.
Security and service face major shake-ups and tourists and commuters are being targeted in campaigns to woo back travellers, say authorities.
Within two years, the hour-long winding coastal Cape Town to Simon's Town ride - which boasts close encounters with whales, surfers, dramatic cliffs and quaint architecture - should be breaking even, and any profit after that would be re-invested.
Metrorail area manager, André Harrison, said that from early December the journey would be shortened by up to 15 minutes with semi-express services stopping at selected stations.
He said: "There is a definite realisation that the southern line is a tourism and commuter asset and that money is needed to boost security and service."
Saturday afternoon services until 19h00 and Sundays until 17h30 are being re-introduced after their controversial suspension last year for security concerns. During season, it will run until 20h00.
From February next year, private contractors will clean carriages and handle security from Retreat southwards.
Special tourist tickets are to be sold when the service is deemed "secure enough".
(Simon Farrell)
ONE of the best value and arguably one of the most breathtaking short train trips in the world, is at last boosting its image for tourism and could become operator Metrorail's only profit-making service in the Western Cape, while helping alleviate increasing pressure on roads.
Security and service face major shake-ups and tourists and commuters are being targeted in campaigns to woo back travellers, say authorities.
Within two years, the hour-long winding coastal Cape Town to Simon's Town ride - which boasts close encounters with whales, surfers, dramatic cliffs and quaint architecture - should be breaking even, and any profit after that would be re-invested.
Metrorail area manager, André Harrison, said that from early December the journey would be shortened by up to 15 minutes with semi-express services stopping at selected stations.
He said: "There is a definite realisation that the southern line is a tourism and commuter asset and that money is needed to boost security and service."
Saturday afternoon services until 19h00 and Sundays until 17h30 are being re-introduced after their controversial suspension last year for security concerns. During season, it will run until 20h00.
From February next year, private contractors will clean carriages and handle security from Retreat southwards.
Special tourist tickets are to be sold when the service is deemed "secure enough".
(Simon Farrell)
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