05 October 2012

Media Statement

METRORAIL SERVICE ADVISORY:
STELLENBOSCH – WELLINGTON – STRAND TRAIN SERVICE

An early morning pantograph hook-up was responsible for the stoppage of train number 2590 just outside Brackenfell Station. The empty train was en route to Cape Town from Kraaifontein when the incident occurred at 04:10 this morning (Friday 5 October 2012).

The high tension wire hook-up sparked an electrical fire on board. The incident damaged the middle motor coach. No injuries were reported. Acting regional manager Eddie Chinnappen confirmed that a full investigation would be conducted to establish the cause of the incident and extent of the damage: ‘Our first priority is informing our customers of alternative transport arrangements to minimise disruption to their morning travel arrangements’.

The train service from Stellenbosch – Wellington – Strand is affected. Customers are being conveyed by bus between Bellville - Muldersvlei Stations; Wellington – Kraaifontein trains are being re-routed via Stellenbosch. Technicians have subsequently re-opened one line and bi-directional train traffic can now commence as well.

Customers are being informed via public address announcement on stations, via Metrorail’s mobi-site www.gometro.co.za and short message alerts. Customer services staff are assisting commuters at affected stations.   

 

Regular train service updates are available from: www.gometro.co.za Mobi-site for internet access-enabled phones

Transport Information Centre   Toll-free 24/7    0800 6564 63

 

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