Unions concerned for commuter safety as Metrorail service resumes

United National Transport Union (Untu) have voiced concern over the reopening of Metrorail’s commuter services, with fears over the company’s ability to keep passengers and employees safe from contracting COVID-19 coming to the fore. 

Metrorail services resumed on Wednesday 1 July with a limited service in place following a shutdown over the last three-months of nationwide lockdown. 

Prasa ‘failed to pay medical practitioners’

Untu’s acting general secretary John Pereira said that the train control office (TCO) was closed on Tuesday 30 June after COVID-19 cases were confirmed among staff there, and said that Metrorail staff had reported serious concerns about returning to work.

“The issues that have been reported indicate that Prasa did not have enough time – after its COVID-19 readiness budget by the Department of Transport was approved last week – to attend to all the areas that have been neglected due to its cash flow constraints during the lockdown,” he said.

“In Cape Town, the Southern Corridor will resume, but train drivers report that there are little of them who can resume their duties. Because of the prolonged period they had to sit at home during the lockdown, the train drivers need to do refresher training on the route before they can start driving again and they need to undergo medical examinations.”

He said that The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) have failed to provide sufficient personal protective equipment (PPE) to prepare them for safe operation. 

“According to them, Prasa failed to pay the bill of the medical practitioners,” he said. 

Metrorail to focus on COVID-19 safety  

Only four lines will be operational nationally, with limited travel times and sale of tickets.

Prasa spokesperson Makhosini Mgitywa said that the agency is doing its utmost to ensure that social distancing protocols are in place, and that the limited service will be able to mitigate the risks facing commuters on the service. 

“Prasa will prioritise the COVID-19 hygiene protocols which include on-board social distancing on the trains as well as on the platforms, and the mandatory wearing of face masks for all rail passengers in the stations and inside the trains,” he said.  

“No hawkers will be allowed to operate as a measure to manage social distancing. Passengers are also encouraged not to travel when feeling unwell but to rather stay home and self-isolate.”