Maputo reinstates Goba passenger train

The passenger train service between Maputo and Goba, a remote region on the Swaziland border 75km from the capital, has been reinstated by the country's rail and ports company CFM. The passenger service was discontinued in 2003 and since then the route has been used exclusively for the transportation of goods to and from Swaziland.

The line has received upgrading works as part of the government's five-year $2 million programme of works for 2010-2014 and now four of the Goba train's eight carriages are designated for passengers.

The move has been welcomed by Goba farmers who can carry their produce for sale in the markets of Maputo or nearby Matola. Public transport by road between Maputo and Goba is scarce, with commuters relying on an intermittent minibus service for the last eight years. As well as refusing to transport passenger's cargo, the minibus fare was 35 Meticais ($1.2) compared to the 15 Meticais train fare.

The journey takes two hours and there are five services each week, Monday to Friday. The train leaves Goba at 03.50 and returns to Maputo at 18.00.