Pretoria - The newly unveiled provincial rail transport strategy will play a role in improving the conditions on trains, says KwaZulu-Natal Premier Zweli Mkhize.
Mkhize gave the assurance to commuters during a train ride from Umlazi Station to Durban Station on Tuesday.
"We took this trip in order to have a feel of what commuters are experiencing on a daily basis. The train between KwaMashu and Umlazi carries about 160 000 passengers daily. I fully understand why passengers complained about overcrowding during my interaction with them," he said.
The problem is being addressed, with the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) planning to buy 7 224 coaches at the cost of about R123 billion. This will ensure greater mobility and the modernisation of rail transport, Mkhize noted.
The long-term strategy recognises the important role that rail transport, both freight and passenger, should play in the province's development.
"The development and upgrade of railway stations such as Pietermaritzburg, Durban, Umlazi and Port Shepstone will cost about R140 million. The total investment by PRASA over the next five years is R5 billion.
"We are also undertaking the North/South rail corridor modernization as part of the Integrated Rapid Public Transport Network developed with the Province and the City of Ethekwini. The bridge City rail link will cost R1.2 billion," Mkhize said.
The premier applauded Metrorail's efforts in ensuring efficient and safe transport for commuters, and called on the public to work with Metrorail and government to protect the rail infrastructure.
"...we continue to hear reports of theft and damage to electrical cables and steel fittings. The cost of repair runs into millions of rands and there are often delays and cancellations of trains which ultimately destroys our economy.
"Metrorail has reported that in one typical month, up to 16 000 minutes are recorded in delays and up to 30 trains are cancelled through these unscrupulous activities," he noted.
Mkhize also spoke out on train surfing and people who cross over or walk along railway lines. These activities, which led to an unnecessary loss of life and permanent disabilities, needed to be stopped, he said.
