Restoring railway services benefits workers with escalating transport costs
30 October 2026
For immediate release
MISA, the Motor Industry Staff Association, welcomes the reopening of seven refurbished railway stations along the East London corridor as an important step towards reducing workers' transport costs and stimulating economic growth.
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy reopened the stations this week following a R115 million investment by the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA). Trains are the cheapest form of public transport.
Martlรฉ Keyter, MISA's Chief Executive Officer: Operations, says restoring reliable and affordable passenger railway services will benefit thousands of employees working at dealerships, workshops, service centres and automotive businesses.
"Many of our members depend on public transport to earn a living. When railway services collapse, workers are forced to use more expensive alternatives, placing additional pressure on already strained household budgets. With rising living costs, every rand saved on transport makes a difference. Reliable railway services also improve punctuality, reduce absenteeism and contribute to productivity," says Keyter.
MISA believes restoring passenger and freight railway infrastructure will have broader economic benefits for the retail motor industry.
The deterioration of freight railway services has forced more goods onto South Africa's roads, increasing congestion, infrastructure damage and logistics costs.
"An efficient railway network reduces pressure on our roads and supports economic activity. The retail motor industry depends on functioning supply chains, sustainable businesses and consumers with sufficient disposable income to purchase and maintain vehicles. When transport and logistics costs increase, businesses and consumers suffer, ultimately threatening employment opportunities," says Keyter.
MISA welcomes the 171 jobs created through the refurbishment project, which also benefited 27 local small businesses and five cooperatives awarded three-year maintenance contracts.
Passenger numbers in the Eastern Cape have increased from approximately 630 000 in 2024/25 to more than 1.2 million in 2025/26.
However, MISA urges Government to protect rehabilitated infrastructure against vandalism, theft and neglect.
"Government must prioritise railway corridors connecting communities with major employment centres. Workers deserve safe, affordable and reliable transport. Every railway line restored represents an opportunity to protect livelihoods, reduce household expenditure and strengthen our economy. For MISA's more than 80 000 members, this is about securing a sustainable future for workers and the retail motor industry," says Keyter.
Issued by Sonja Carstens, Manager of MISAโs Media & Communication Department, on behalf of the Union. For media enquiries contact Phakamile Hlubi-Majola, Spokesperson of MISA, on 083 367 6417 or [email protected]
#PROUDLYMISA #MISALEADS #MISACARES #MISAONTHEMOVE #MISAFAMILY