Metrorail train service plans opposed

Metrorail has announced scores of under-utilised trains are to be temporarily withdrawn from service for maintenance reasons - with a 10 percent average service reduction on weekdays.

The changes mean there will be fewer scheduled trains available between 10am and 3pm on weekdays, between 9am and 1pm on Saturdays, and between 11am and 3pm on Sundays.

Off-peak and "shoulder peak" trains with an occupancy of less than 30 percent will be removed from the timetable.

"This translates into an average 10 percent service reduction during the week and an average 16 percent reduction over weekends," said Metrorail's Riana Scott.

The new timetable starts next Sunday, and will affect all routes. The service will be phased back as maintenance targets are met.

On weekdays, the number of trains running will drop from 679 to 612. There will be 59 fewer trains on Saturdays and 35 fewer on Sundays.

The southern suburbs route and the Cape Town-Kraaifontein route will each lose 13 trains, while the Cape Town-Strand route will lose 12 trains.

The new schedule is being implemented to allow for maintenance of rolling stock to improve the punctuality and reliability of the service ahead of 2010.

"The seasonal revision of the train timetable is not unusual," Scott said. "Several underutilised trains are removed from service most year-ends after schools or tertiary institutions and factories close. This year perennially problematic trains need to be repaired in time for 2010 dry-runs starting as early as January 23."

But Cosatu's Western Cape general secretary, Tony Ehrenreich, said unions would oppose Metrorail's decision, unless the maintenance programme was to be rolled out regularly and not just for 2010. "Metrorail itself has conceded under-investment in maintenance work," he said. "Cosatu will be launching a massive protest next year against all 2010-related upgrades that don't benefit our communities."

For the new timetables go to www.capemetrorail.co.za or call 0800 656 463.


Source: thestar.co.za