Train commuters frustrated by delays
Vandalism and cable theft hampering service for thousands of passengers
ONGOING cable and metal components theft and vandalism of Metrorail assets have led to massive delays this week, where services have been unreliable and did not meet customer expectations.
Metrorail spokesperson Riana Scott said trains are a particularly important mode of transport in the Western Cape. About 60 percent of all public transport commuters rely on trains. “As management our responsibility is enormous when faced with sustained, wanton, self-defeating and senseless destruction of vulnerable state assets by protesting communities who the very next day rely on trains as transport. We support the call for the police to arrest and convict the perpetrators. We are encouraged that the Criminal Matters Amendment Bill secured an 11-year jail sentence for a repeat offender cable thief recently.
“Metrorail spends more than R12 million per month on security. This includes contract security, protection service officials, electronic surveillance, a bike squad and motorised patrols. The region works closely with the local SAPS as well as the Rapid Rail Response Unit and serves on the Copper Cable Task Team. The most vulnerable sections are progressively being walled to prevent access to the tracks,” said Scott.
Metrorail passenger Deborah Rhodes said using Metrorail’s service has been nothing but a frustration. “I am unhappy about the service I receive from the trains. I stood at the station for more than two hours yesterday and there was no announcement but Prasa people took our cellphone numbers and promised to SMS us updates. Even today I haven’t received any SMS about Tuesday’s and yesterday delays,” said Rhodes.
Commuter Nancy McHelm said she is now making use of a lift club, which costs her R400 extra.
“I now make use of a lift club which costs me R400 extra, which I don’t have but I have no alternative due to the disaster of a service. There is nothing more stressful than to leave your house for work at 6.30am to get the 7am train and only arrive at work at around 9am,” said McHelm.
President of the Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry Janine Myburgh said vandals had gained the upper hand and Metrorail was losing the battle to run a good service for commuters.
“We know that copper theft plays a role and that there are crime syndicates involved, but that does not explain the burning of coaches.
“There is no money to be made from arson, so there must be another reason. The old methods of trying to prevent theft and damage are no longer working so we need a new approach,” said Myburgh. –