STATEMENT BY MINISTER ROBIN CARLISLE

Today, we come together to launch PRASA’s National Railway Safety Campaign. What has been encouraging to see has been the new sense of purpose and determination that has been shown particularly on the part of Metrorail Western Cape, through the leadership of Mthuthuzeli Swartz. We have a partnership between Metrorail, Railway SAPS, Province and the City of Cape Town that is working together to make public transport safer and more efficient.

It is my hope that in the future, we will see a transit security service presence at our stations that comprises of different parts, but is visible to the commuters as one. Security should ensure the safety of the commuters and that assets of Metrorail are not threatened. I would like to see an expansion and integration of all public transport systems (trains, buses and taxis) to the point where they work optimally with high levels of efficiency.

I am glad to note that Metrorail has improved their night time maintenance schedules and am very optimistic as to the direction Metrorail is headed and am happy to assist in any way that I can.

I am, however, not entirely convinced that we are getting an adequate return on our investment in the South African Police Services (SAPS) for the policing that they are to be doing at the stations. There have been numerous incidents of violence and criminal activity at Cape Town station and Retreat station particularly, where people have been stabbed, mugged, threatened, particularly when they travel at night. The list of offences is endless. This is not acceptable and must be addressed as a matter of urgency.

I look forward to seeing this partnership grow in its joint endeavour to deliver to the public a safer and more efficient public transport system.