Three train coaches were set on fire in Khayelitsha, Cape Town on Tuesday, causing damage of about R12m, Metrorail said.

"Preliminary investigations suggest that arson may have been the cause of the fire," said Western Cape regional manager Mthuthuzeli Swartz.

Trains on the Khayelitsha-Philippi line were delayed. The fire had been extinguished and train services restored.

Swartz appealed to the public to come forward with information on anyone involved in the vandalising and torching of trains.

"A reward of up to R25,000 may be paid for information leading to a successful conviction," he said.

-Sapa