Pretoria - There is no talk or intention by train drivers to join the on-going national bus drivers’ strike, Western Cape Metrorail Regional Manager, Mthuthuzeli Swartz, assured commuters on Thursday.
Reacting to persistent calls for train drivers to join the drivers, Swartz said: “There were no indications that this was the case. As the employer, we must be issued with a notice of intention 48 hours in advance.”
He, however, committed to inform commuters immediately should such notice be received by Metrorail.
“We want to reassure our commuters that should there be a strike by Metrorail train drivers, they will get warning [in advance] so they can make alternative arrangements.”
Metrorail Western Cape is responsible for around 700 000 passengers daily, growing recently by an additional 32 000 due to the national bus driver’s strike action.
With regard to the video footage of a Metrorail guard, who was recorded assaulting a commuter traveling on a train without a ticket at Cape Town station last Thursday, Swartz said violence against customers or any member of the public was condemned in the strongest possible terms.
“We will not hesitate to take action against employees behaving atrociously. The disciplinary case against the other three guards involved in the incident is in progress,” he said.
Swartz also revealed cases pending against commuters who have assaulted Metrorail employees, noting that these too were of serious concern to Metrorail and they would also not be tolerated.
“I’d like to assure the public that Metrorail adopts a zero-tolerance approach against contractors, employees or commuters who conduct themselves violently.
“Injuring a commuter is a dismissible offence, and we encourage people to report these bullies immediately so that we can act decisively,” he said.
Some of the safety and security concerns for Metrorail are intimidation and robbery of commuters by rogue elements; assaults and threats to safety by these individuals on Metrorail security personnel, and vandalism, which contributes to delays and incidents of violence on trains.
Swartz said when incidents are reported involving their contracted security firms, they immediately call for an explanation of the incident, take disciplinary action and consider the redeployment of the personnel involved.
“Our interventions are focused on improving train security and tightening access control. Commuter safety is paramount in the way that we conduct our business and any threats or deviations will not be tolerated,” he said. - SAnews.gov.za
