UPDATE: Relief as trains return to the North Coast
During the stoppage commuters were forced to use taxis at more than triple their normal travel costs.
Monday was a day of jubilation for thousands of North Coast train commuters when service resumed after a five week stoppage.
The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) suspended services after angry commuters burnt down a ticket office, trains and workers vehicles in Umlazi, because trains were running late.
“They threatened the lives of train drivers as trains were not arriving on time, leaving commuters upset,” said KZN transport, community safety and liaison MEC Mxolisi Kauda.
Trains not being on time was blamed on aging infrastructure that needed to be repaired. Repairs to the railway line were completed last Friday.
Also read: Taxi rank terror for Ballito couple
During the stoppage commuters were forced to use taxis at more than triple their normal travel costs. For example, a return train ticket to Durban costs R23 while a single taxi trip costs R45 and two ways, R90.
“I am very happy that trains are back because I will now be able to save money. I had already lost about R1000 in the past five weeks,” said Abraham Gwala, who works in Ballito and travels to Durban at weekends.
The MEC commended PRASA and Transnet for speeding up repairs to equipment.
He urged residents to work with PRASA and the police to apprehend criminals who vandalise infrastructure. He thanked train commuters for being patient while PRASA and Transnet was fixing the lines.
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