Update: Transport minister urges fast tracking of modernisation in rail services
All existing signaling interlocking must be replaced says minister.
The minister of transport, Joe Maswanganyi, has directed the Railway Safety Regulator (RSR) and the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) to expedite the investigation into the cause of the collision of the two Metrorail trains at the Geldenhuys Station, in Germiston, on Tuesday.
Both these trains were authorised to travel on the same line toward Springs from Johannesburg. Investigators on the scene classified this crash as a rear-end-vision on the platform and a comprehensive investigation is underway.
It is estimated that about 226 passengers were injured with 67 sustaining moderate injuries and 159 sustaining minor injuries.
Most of these injuries were as a result of the emergency brakes being applied by the driver of the incoming train.
Minister Maswanganyi has directed Prasa to fast-track its plans to modernise rail services in South Africa. This includes expediting the process to replace all existing signaling interlocking, which consists mainly of obsolete mechanical and electro-mechanical systems, with electronic interlocking as the technology of choice.
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“A budget of about R5.6-billion has been set aside for the signalling modernisation from 2015 to 2018, as we know that our rail network has previously been characterised by years of disinvestment.
“Cable theft remains one of the major challenges that keeps undermining our determination and efforts to provide a safe and secure railway experience for all South Africans,” said Minister Maswanganyi.
Minister Maswanganyi called on communities, civil society and business to work together with government to secure the railway network from all criminals who are hell-bent on vandalising the railway network system for economic benefits.
Prasa will give the injured and their families the needed comfort and support during this period via the Metrorail walk-in centre located at 30 Wolmarans Street, Umjantshi House in Braamfontein, Johannesburg.
For further assistance commuters who were involved in the crash and their immediate families can call 011 013 0067.
Minister Maswanganyi wishes all the injured a speedy recovery.
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