Gauteng Metrorail spokesperson, Lillian Mofokeng, has responded to questions relating to the current struggles of the commuter rail network. Here is her full statement below.

“Gauteng Metrorail is currently experiencing an alarming increase in the number of reported cases of infrastructure vandalism and theft ranging from overhead electrical lines, electrical substations as well as vandalism of station and depot buildings. The rise in unprecedented levels of vandalism and theft of critical infrastructure components, along with the evident growth in the illicit trading of copper and steel on the black market mean PRASA must refocus their efforts towards providing more security manpower using the same amount of money meant for passenger rail improvements upgrades without any additional revenue or funding.

“The unfortunate part is that these vandalism and theft will directly affect the majority of community and commuters who depend on the affordable Metrorail services to access economic opportunities across Gauteng. The current operational state of affairs is that we have started to gradually return commuter services following national lockdown on 26th March 2020 in response to the looming Covid-19 infection in the country.

“Metrorail commenced with a limited train service in Tshwane with the use of diesel locomotives due to the extent of theft and vandalism of infrastructure. There is a phased-in corridor roll-out plan that is at an advanced stage to resume services in other corridors based on our ability to get stations at a minimum operational level with the actual dates to be announced.

“As a responsible organisation, plans are in place to secure our ability to provide ongoing operations so that we can continue supporting the Province’s economy and the community for the duration of the crisis, and beyond. As announced by the Transport Minister that PRASA will now in-source security, we have already appointed over 800 officials toward the regional target of 1 335 in total for Gauteng.

“It is important that communities become vigilant and help report acts of vandalism on the system to help protect passenger rail. If we do not work together, PRASA’s ability to provide affordable public transportation will be in jeopardy, leaving thousands of South Africans faced with the reality of seeking alternative and less affordable public transport services.

“In conclusion, the issues of theft and vandalism should not be underestimated as it will cost PRASA millions of rand to be able to reinstate the much-needed train service. At the same time PRASA currently is experiencing financial challenges bearing in mind that as and when trains are not operational the revenue also gets affected. The Metrorail market comes from mainly disadvantaged communities, and with the high level of unemployment the lack of service will unfortunately strain further the same communities.

“Emphasis is being put on calling upon communities to continue working with PRASA and the law-enforcement agencies to report all these criminals so that we can together save this important and affordable public transport service.”