Cold front freezes train operations
“The electricity had to be switched off on both lines in Naledi, Leralla and Saulsville to allow the technical team to commence with repair work of the affected section.”
Trains to Pretoria and Johannesburg have been temporarily suspended as it is difficult operating during the cold front experienced on July 10.
According to Metrorail, the line components such as tracks, cross-over points, electrical cables and other infrastructure were facing technical failures due to cold weather.
Johannesburg has been showered with some snowfall in the southern parts.
Both Johannesburg and Pretoria are experiencing cold weather as temperatures drop below freezing points.
Gauteng Metrorail spokesperson Lillian Mofokeng said disruptions to services were recorded in most of its lines on Monday due to adverse weather conditions experienced in the province.
Mofokeng said the cold weather harmed the infrastructure.
“The overhead wires also experience tension, which results in power instability and failure.”
The following lines have been experiencing delays this morning:
– Saulsville to Pretoria
– Centurion to Pretoria
– Leralla to Germiston
– Naledi to Johannesburg
She said the Saulsville-Pretoria, Naledi-Johannesburg and Leralla-Germiston train services were currently suspended to allow a technical team to work on the infrastructure.
“The electricity had to be switched off on both lines in Naledi, Leralla and Saulsville to allow the team to commence with repair work of the affected section.”
Mofokeng advised commuters to seek alternative transport until further notice.
“Refunds are also facilitated at Metrorail train stations for affected commuters.”
She said Metrorail remained committed to operating trains safely and avoiding the worst-case scenario.
“We would like to apologise to commuters for any inconvenience caused.”
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