PRASA delivers cheaper matchday travel for Orlando Pirates, Bulls and Mamelodi Sundowns clashes

The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa has positioned itself at the centre of a packed sporting weekend, unveiling an expanded train schedule designed to move thousands of football and rugby supporters efficiently to key venues across Gauteng.

With high-profile fixtures lined up in Soweto and Pretoria, PRASA says it is intensifying operations to ensure fans can travel safely, punctually and at minimal cost.

The initiative covers multiple corridors and introduces frequent shuttle services aligned with match kick-off times, reinforcing the agency’s push to reclaim its role as a reliable backbone of public transport for major events.

“A big weekend of sport deserves a big response from us. We are proud to be the most affordable mobility partner of choice for South African sports fans, bringing people to the game safely, affordably and on time. Whether you’re heading to Orlando Stadium, Loftus Versfeld – PRASA is there for you,” Group CEO Hishaam Emeran said on Friday.

Saturday’s football action sees Orlando Pirates host Durban City at Orlando Stadium. In response, PRASA will run dedicated trains from the Johannesburg–Midway corridor starting at midday, with additional services feeding in from Naledi and New Canada routes shortly after.

Operations will continue through to the evening, allowing supporters flexibility both before and after the 15:00 kick-off.

Attention then shifts north to Pretoria, where Bulls face Benetton Rugby in a United Rugby Championship fixture at Loftus Versfeld.

PRASA will operate trains at 20-minute intervals between early afternoon and evening, with integrated connections available via the Gautrain and local ride-hailing options at Pretoria Station to ease last-mile travel.

The momentum carries into Sunday, when Mamelodi Sundowns meet AS FAR in the first leg of the CAF Champions League final, also at Loftus Versfeld.

Special services will run from Saulsville, Pienaarspoort, De Wildt and Mabopane, feeding into a steady shuttle loop between Pretoria and Loftus stations every 20 minutes.

By aligning transport capacity with fixture demand, PRASA is not only easing congestion around stadium precincts but also strengthening the matchday experience.