Additional security at train stations

Metrorail said that it will take 10 to 20 years to have 600 commuter trains that are more reliable, efficient and safe.

Cape Town - Ten to 20 years. That is how long it will take Metrorail to have 600 commuter trains that are more reliable, clean, efficient and safe, the agency said.

With trains overcrowding during peak hours, Metrorail spokesperson Riana Scott said the Western Cape would receive two test train sets, but they would undergo exhaustive tests before a massive roll-out took place.

“As the new ones come out to replace the current ageing stock, the old ones will be taken off the rails,” said Scott.

But for now, an additional 200 highly visible safety and security personnel were being piloted at train stations across the Western Cape, Scott said.

Most recent was the deployment of Chrysalis Academy members at crime hot spots.

But train commuters said crime on trains was escalating to the extent that some of them were resorting to other forms of transport. Lunga Ngqulwana, 24, said although commuting on a train was cheaper than other modes of transport, he was planning to use a mini-bus because of security concerns.

“Safety is not Metrorail’s concern because daily people are robbed by opportunistic criminals, especially in the afternoons when schoolchildren go home,” he said.

“The access controls cannot even pick up guns, knives or anything

metal and this results in weapons being carried.”

As Metrorail operated 703 trains and 688 000 commuter trips every weekday in the province, Scott said the security officers would be deployed on trains and train stations.

Scott admitted that crime was escalating. “Crime is on the increase in general and rail precincts are unfortunately not exempt.

“The rail system does not function in isolation. It bears the brunt of displaced crime in adjoining communities.”

To combat crime, Metrorail regularly met the Community Safety and Transport Departments and the police.

“Police and security cannot be everywhere at once. Metrorail deploys its security resources based on intelligence provided by confidential informants and community tips and responds as soon as trends or hot spots are identified.”

sandiso.phaliso@inl.co.za

@PhalisoSandiso

Cape Times

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