Trains expected to return to almost normal tomorrow

By Khanyisa Tabata
19 August 2009

Metrorail have reported that they are expecting that their services might be running close to its usual weekday service but with minor setbacks.

The deviations will comprise discretionary trains in service areas recording extra-ordinary high commuter volumes, resulting in cancellations on less dense corridors until the strike is over.

In addition, more platform attendants will be deployed at key stations to manage commuting crowds.

These arrangements are made in response to several incidents earlier today.

Between Philippi and Nyanga, Bontheuwel and Netreg and near Kraaifontein five commuters fell from overfull trains in transit. Four sustained injuries while a fourth died.

To prevent similar tragedies, commuters are requested to ensure that train doors remain closed in transit.

For their own safety, train users are cautioned not to board overfull trains and to rather wait for the next train.

Many employers have offered to release employees in phases to reduce the pressure on certain trains during peak hours.

In a related but separate incident, two signal equipment boxes were destroyed by attempted cable theft near Nyanga Station.

One equipment case was completely destroyed, the other so vandalised that repairs are likely to take at least 24 hours.

The incident severely hampered efforts for a full restoration of services to Khayelitsha, Kapteinsklip and Mitchell’s Plain service corridors.

Based on information received, arrests are expected soon. Buses will be arranged in these areas to assist commuters.


The agreement with Golden Arrow Bus Services remains in place until the strike is officially over– weekly/monthly train ticket holders still have the option to use GABS buses after 08:30 and 18:00.