5.2 PASSENGER RAIL AGENCY OF SOUTH AFRICA (PRASA) The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa's mandate is contained in the Transport Services Act (No. 9 of 1989), as amended in November 2008. The Act requires the agency to, at the request of the Department of Transport, provide rail commuter services within and to and from South Africa in the public interest. In consultation with the Department, PRASA is also entrusted with providing long haul passenger rail and bus services within, to and from South Africa.