President Ramaphosa has announced the opening of provincial borders for leisure travel as the country moves to Level 2. While bus services have been operating for business and urgent travel, the change in rules means a new set-up for our inter-provincial trains and buses. Here is everything you need to know.
Greyhound/Citiliner Bus
Greyhound/Citiliner are operating select internal routes across the country. The buses are keeping strict COVID-19 protocol. The buses are sanitised and social distancing is enforced with some chairs blocked so passengers can’t sit too close together. All passengers will need to wear masks, bring their own sanitiser, have the temperatures taken before boarding and must bring a self-evaluation medical form.
Intercape Bus
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Intercape is also operating selected internal routes. Travellers will now not require a travel permit stating their purpose of travel. All coaches are sanitised when leaving the depot, especially on touch points for passengers. Those getting on board will have their temperatures checked. All passengers and staff are required to wear masks.
Rovos Rail
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Rovos Rail took the proactive decision to cancel all trips until September 2. Despite the arrival of Level 2, they will be keeping with this and will only begin operation again from September 3 as per their schedule.
Rovos Rail has implemented extensive sanitisation and social distancing protocols to keep guests safe before boarding and on board. Baggage will be sanitised before boarding, guests and staff will be required to wear masks and there are staggered check-in times. On board, temperatures will be regularly checked, hand sanitiser and sanitiser wipes will be widely available, there will be 24/7 room service and regular deep cleans of the train.
Blue Train
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Much like Rovos Rail, the Blue Train suspended their service until September 30. The Blue Train has ensured guests that once they reopen they will be operating at COVID-19 standards, with precautions in place to avoid the spread of infection and ensure a safe journey.
Shosholoza Meyl and Premier Classe
The Shosholoza Meyl and Premier Classe have not been running services since February 2020. This was after the decision was made by the Rail Safety Regulator regarding the service and safety on board these trains. No opening date has been given for these lines.
Image: Rovos Rail/ Instagram
