Metrorail: '30 noteworthy improvements'

[John Ashworth]

METRORAIL BETTER IN 30 WAYS

On October 2, 2012 Railways Africa

According to Metrorail (Western Cape) regional manager Mthuthuzeli Swartz, 30 noteworthy improvements have been achieved since the June 2012 launch of a determined programme to improve service. The number of scheduled trains cancelled has been reduced and punctuality is better.

Major improvements included:

* Replacement of all broken coach windows and doors.

* The provision of platform marshals at eight stations.

* An increase in train running speeds.

* Revised working hours.

* Special task teams.

* Better revenue collection.

* The addition of three new trainsets to the fleet, which now totals 88.

* The introduction of a mobile information system.

* The provision of fencing at all stations and beside rail tracks.

Referring to safety, which he acknowledged as a serious problem, Swartz says the number of security guards has been increased from 469 to 569, to improve security at stations. These are supplemented by 400 railway police officers and 100 soldiers. More than R10 million is being spent monthly on security services. Talks are being held with the city aimed at linking railway closed circuit television equipment to the municipal operations centre.

Two trainsets are held for use in emergency at Kraaifontein, also Nyanga and Retreat.

In the next three years, 28 stations are to be upgraded, notably Heideveld, Nyanga, Mitchells Plain, Chris Hani, Bellville and Woodstock. It is planned to provide secure storage for bicycles on all stations. Other facilities envisaged include an electronic ticketing system in conjunction with municipal and Golden Arrow buses.