Metrorail
COVID-19: Metrorail suspends services in Cape Town
The Regional Train Traffic Control and Management Centre had to shut down on Sunday as a precautionary measure due to a COVID-19 infection case there.
This follows a number of joint security enforcement operations ahead of the festive season.
Since the Western Cape's busiest line was shut in October last year, the rail system has been exposed to vandalism and cable theft and during the COVID-19 lockdown period, people invaded the railway lines.
They admitted to stealing the cable whilst on night duty at Nyanga station on the central line.
The Bellville Rail Management and Traffic Control Centre was launched on Friday and will oversee all passenger rail operations, improve on-time performance and make the network safer.
Only 32% of Prasa’s 34 corridors are functioning at the moment but the agency aims to reopen three more from next month.
The minister spoke in Kempton Park, Ekurhuleni, on Wednesday where he launched the ministerial security plan.
The party’s Daylin Mitchell said he had written to provincial Transport MEC Bonginkosi Madikizela to give more details on just how bad the problem was.
'Commuters are advised to make use of alternative transport for the morning peak and we will update as events unfold,' said Metrorail's Riana Scott as she apologised for the inconvenience.
Metrorail first resumed limited services in June, but only reopened the southern line between Cape Town and Retreat.
Eyewitness News has received complaints of metal railway lines, overhead cables, and other items being taken from local stations and lines.
Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula said that government had drawn up plans on how to overhaul the railway system and formalise the taxi industry, which millions of South Africans depend on.
Severe weather caused the suspension of operations between Cape Town and Retreat.
This morning, trains operating between Cape Town and Retreat were suspended following damage to overhead power supply systems as a result of severe weather conditions.
Metrorail said that parts of what could be a roof were blown onto a section of the tracks between Mowbray and Rosebank.
Metrorail's Riana Scott said that about 300 commuters travelled during this morning's peak-hour trial service.
Metrorail said the trial trips would stress-test operational plans for the limited-service to comply with COVID-19 regulations.
Prasa said that it would adhere to all COVID-19 hygiene protocols, which include social distancing on platforms and inside trains.
The rail operator on Monday said services would be phased in gradually.