Prasa loses R500m in coaches due to vandalism

THE Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) has lost almost 1 400 train coaches due to vandalism in the past three financial years, resulting in more than R503-million in losses, it has been revealed in response to parliamentary questions by the DA.

Metrorail lost 823 and Shosholoza Meyl 565 coaches over the three-year period amid a 31% drop in security personnel.

“Rail safety is a national competency and it is Prasa’s responsibility to ensure the efficient running of trains across the country and assure commuter safety for those who use this mode of transport,” DA shadow minister of transport Manny de Freitas said.

“It is inconceivable that while vandalism has been on the increase‚ the agency has completely neglected security.

“Another reply to a DA parliamentary question revealed that since 2012-13 private security has gone from 3 883 to 2 676 security personnel‚ a shocking 31% drop.

“In the Gauteng region‚ the figure dropped from 2 117 to 1 324 personnel (37.5%) and in the Western Cape region‚ there was a drop of 26.2%, meaning the figures went from 1 084 to 799 in personnel.”

Thousands of commuters had already been left stranded.

“Clearly Prasa has failed to implement contingency plans to alleviate the scourge of vandalism and violence on our railway system,” he said. – TimesLIVE