Cape Town - Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele has welcomed an agreement between stakeholders in the passenger rail industry regarding improved commuter security.
The agreement was signed in Cape Town on Wednesday following legal action brought against the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) by the Rail Commuters Action Group and trade federation Cosatu regarding rail commuter security and operational safety issues.
"The rail commuter safety agreement is, indeed, a significant milestone for South Africa. This agreement marks another turning point in the transformation of the passenger rail system in our country.
"It is a step closer towards ensuring that our country's transport programme is eventually implemented in a way that is inclusive of all relevant stakeholders," said Mr Ndebele.
In terms of the agreement, Prasa is to investigate the feasibility of the establishment of an insurance policy to cater for all rail commuters injured within the rail environment in South Africa.
According to the media, safety and security pilot projects include closed circuit television (CCTV) at stations and on trains, platform marshal and the deployment of the railway police in collaboration with the South Africa Police Service.
In addition, Prasa is to implement redesigned safety features on doors and windows, implement new door closing mechanisms and install rubber gummies between coaches.
As part of the agreement, an advisory committee is to be established by the end of August, comprised of various role-players in the Western Cape to oversee the implementation of the 2007 Security Plan.
