An amount of R18,5-million to improve overall infrastructure at Mandalay and Lentegeur railway stations, including modifications to make the facilities more accessible to disabled people, has been invested by the Western Cape Transport and Public Works Department and Metrorail.
This move has been hailed by the Disabled People of SA (DPSA).
The modifications for the disabled at the two stations, which include lifts and improving platform floors to avoid uneven surfaces, will be fully operational on April 1.
Lifts were installed at the Mandalay station to pick up people in wheelchairs from the bottom deck to the ticket sellers at the top deck of the station and then down to the platform to board the train, but these lifts have never been in operation.
Security personnel at the Mandalay train station told department officials that they were helping people in wheelchairs as far as possible, but this was frustrating at times as some of the people turn back as they do not have help in getting on to the trains.
Speaking at the Mandalay station, Transport and Public Works MEC Marius Fransman said the money given to the projects would be taken from the department's budget and re-channelled to the two projects.
DPSA regional chairperson Andrew Madella said the organisation was happy.
"We are indeed making progress. The SARCC is developing the necessary plan. Thirty stations have been identified for passengers with special needs.
"People with special needs include the elderly, pregnant women, and mothers with prams. We would like to see more action, but plans are in place and money has been sourced so it is encouraging."