Scrambler Bikes and High Mast Lighting to Improve Rail Safety and Security

"In line with this government’s strategic objective to provide safe and reliable public transport in the Western Cape, the Department of Transport and Public Works has enjoyed an effective working relationship with Metrorail in achieving this objective. Special thanks to the Public Transport section of my department, particularly Darryl Jacobs and Nomagcisa Tsipa-Sipoyo, for their hard work. This project is yet another example of that partnership and will, undoubtedly, improve safety for commuters and help to curb the effects that vandalism has on Metrorail’s assets," said Minister Carlisle.

 

The project was funded by the Department of Transport and Public Works, through an allocation to the value of R4 million. The amount included:

Thereafter, an estimated total of R8 million in operating costs, including maintenance and personnel costs, will be absorbed by Metrorail. Electricity costs for the high mast lighting will also be borne by Metrorail.

 

Prasa Rail CEO Mosenngwa Mofi said: “We are deeply indebted to MEC Carlisle for putting his money where his mouth is. The Provincial Department of Transport and Public Works is a valued partner in our drive to improve service levels for rail commuters. The effective curbing of vandalism forms an integral part of securitising and safeguarding critical assets as one of the five pillars of our operational improvement plan”.

 

 “This intervention is the first of its kind in the rail industry and will prove a powerful deterrent to vandals. The men and women of the Tactical Cable Theft Intervention Unit is a powerful and innovative resource to counter vandalism; in particular cable theft at identified hot spots”.

 

 “This initiative speaks to Metrorail’s zero tolerance strategy to protect commuters and assets in addition to increased deployment of security personnel. The high securitization of key corridors and depots with fencing, alarms and CCTV surveillance is imminent and accounts for a portion of the R483m allocated over the next three years to implement a comprehensive asset protection programme”, Mofi concludes.

 

“We have seen great improvements in Metrorail in the Western Cape, under its Regional Manager Mthuthuzeli Swartz, with a decrease in delays and a commitment to improved security. Security should ensure the safety of the commuters and that assets of Metrorail are not threatened. There have been numerous incidents of violence and criminal activity at Area Central stations, where people have been stabbed, mugged, threatened, particularly when they travel at night. This is not acceptable situation to which we must continue to work hard to address through projects like this one. Criminal elements cannot be allowed threaten the delivery of the essential service that Metrorail provides”, added Carlisle.