We have a very good transport system – potentially – says Nzimande
The minister blamed the state of infrastructure for the accident which injured over 300 people in Kempton Park on Thursday.
Minister of Transport Blade Nzimande on a walkabout at the Paarden Eiland Deport in Cape Town on Friday. Nzimande came to view damages done to Metrorail trains. Photo: Ashraf Hendricks
Transport minister Blade Nzimande says the country potentially has a very good transport system.
The minister says the transport system is not where it should be “because there’s still no proper integration” and the different modes of transport don’t work together.
“For example, if you jump off a train, you should ordinarily just jump onto a taxi or a bus and be able to connect to where ever you’re going,” he said.
This comes after two passenger trains collided at Van Riebeeck Park Station near Kempton Park on Thursday, injuring over 300 people.
Speaking at the launch of the 13th anniversary of the October Transport Month at a train station in Mamelodi, Nzimande said he will be visiting those injured in hospital, to provide support.
READ MORE: Inquiry into Gauteng train crash which injured more than 300 to be instituted
He blamed the state of infrastructure for the accident and said he was shocked when he heard the news.
The minister said the destruction of trains is a contributing factor when it comes to unsafe conditions of travel.
“We need to look after our drivers.
“Much more importantly, we want to say to our communities, please look after our rail infrastructure,” Nzimande continued, mentioning the burning of trains and stealing of copper as two major problems faced by his department.
He urged communities not steal cables and to remember that trains are there to benefit them too.
Over 320 commuters were injured on Thursday in a train collision between two passenger trains at Van Riebeeck Park Station in Kempton Park.
The accident left over 300 commuters injured, 32 of which were injured seriously.
Metrorail said the injured have been sent to local hospitals around Gauteng.
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