Metrorail has temporarily suspended train services on the Western Cape rail network for the remainder of Monday [January 18] due to acts of “overnight sabotage”. In a statement, Metrorail explains that two relay rooms were purposefully damaged, affecting their ability to ensure trains operate safely.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that damage was deliberately done to two strategic relay rooms responsible for providing information to operate trains safely,” reads the statement.
Acting regional manager Raymond Maseko condemned the deliberate damage in the strongest possible terms, and appealed to customers to please be patient as they attend to the issue.
“Deliberate destruction of a limited service used by commuters heavily reliant on an affordable rail transport is nothing short of criminal,” he said. “We are aware of our customers’ frustration and our technical teams will work around the clock to repair the damage to ensure that services are restored soon as possible.”
Due to the prevailing situation, the following arrangements apply:
– All stations are closed;
– No single/return tickets will be sold further today;
– Trains stuck in section will be taken to depots; and
– Commuters on trains will be assisted to the nearest station.
Since the initial announcement, The Southern and Cape Flats lines have been recovered but the Kraaifontein line remains suspended.
#NorthernLineCT | #SouthernLineCT
Partial Service recovery underway on the #CapeFlatsLineCT and Southern line following earlier signal equipment failure at Cape Town & Between Ysterplaat and Kentemade . Kraaifontein line remains temporarily suspended, Residual Delays Apply.
— Metrorail W/Cape (@CapeTownTrains) January 18, 2021
Updates will follow as events unfold – commuters are requested to consult regular passenger information channels. Follow @CapeTownTrains on Twitter, Cape Metrorail on Facebook or Telegram for regular service updates.
Picture: Twitter/Metrorail