The government has promised to invest around R25-billion over the next three years into the country’s public transport infrastructure, with a large portion being spent ahead of next year's soccer 2010 World Cup.

The news was announced as the government unveiled a new enlarged rail and bus public transport utility, to be known as the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa). The money is to be spent refurbishing coaches and stations ahead of the 2010 Soccer World Cup.

The new utility will combine the South African Rail Commuter Corporation and Metrorail, which have already merged their assets and employees, with long-distance rail firm Shosoloza Meyl and intercity bus company Autopax.

In addition, the government said property management and development company Intersite will also be merged into the new group, with a view to maintaining and upgrading stations and extracting value from the merged entity’s property assets.

Transport Minister Jeff Radebe stated that the development of Prasa was a key part of the government’s strategy of putting rail services back at the heart of South Africa’s public transport system, reported Engineering News.