Government is set to spend R8 billion to improve rail infrastructure and trains in the Western Cape. However, this has been delayed by troubles at the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa, (Prasa).
There are often delays, cancellations and poor communication with commuters.
“You get to work late every day and in the afternoons you have to wait for the trains. As you can see here on this platform it’s really bad,” said a dissatisfied commuter.
The frustration often leads to the torching of trains. Just over a 100 have been burnt over the past two years. Government now says its preparing to step in.
“We are repairing the train sets that have been set alight here in the Western Cape. If you can go to slat river, there is progress in that regard. We believe we are going to bring back not less than 60 sets on the rail. We understand sometimes our people get frustrated but there are forces which from time to time burn our trains,” said Transport Minister, Joe Maswanganyi.
While some commuters are skeptical, Cosatu is appealing for inclusion in the plans.
“We do appreciate that because it’s for some time now that we have been calling on national government, in fact all spheres of government to come and address the challenge of transport in the Western Cape because our workers are suffering on a daily basis, “said Cosatu’s provincial chairperson Motlatsi Tsubane.
It remains unclear when the new stock of trains will pull into the platforms where they matter most.
Watch related videos below:
