Cape Town rail devolution is a significant step forward for the city. Cape Town has tabled a Rail Business Plan that sets up a formal pathway to take control of passenger rail. If approved on 4 December, the City could become the first metro in South Africa to run its own trains. The aim is simple. Fix reliability, grow ridership, and cut road congestion by rebuilding rail as the backbone of public transport.
What the Plan Changes
The plan tested nine takeover scenarios and narrowed them to three workable options that use contracted private operators. Under Cape Town rail devolution, the City would set fares, performance targets, and service levels. It also seeks new local revenue from commercial use of stations and corridors. Importantly, officials say the municipal rates base will not subsidise operations.
Money and Laws Still Needed
Cape Town rail devolution depends on stable national funding for operations, maintenance, and rolling stock. The City also wants the National Rail Bill and a long-term Rail Masterplan finalised to lock in roles, standards, and safety oversight. With those in place, the administration can negotiate a phased handover that protects commuters while upgrades roll out. This is crucial for the devolution process to succeed.
Fix the Core Network First
Before any transfer, the network must be restored to a proven baseline. The benchmark is 2012 performance at roughly 620,000 daily passenger trips. Hitting that level signals a stable timetable, enough train sets, and recoverable operations after incidents. Only then does the approach shift to growth, laying the foundation for successful rail devolution in Cape Town.
What Commuters Could Get Next
The roadmap prioritises a reliable rail spine that plugs into buses and minibus taxis through one ticket. After core recovery, the first expansion is a proposed Blue Downs link connecting Kuils River, Eerste River, and Mfuleni. Stations would be designed for safe transfers, secure access, and active land use that supports jobs near rail. The immediate step is the council vote, which would authorise direct talks with national government on devolution, funding, and timelines. If approved, Cape Town’s rail devolution will move from study to action.
