Independent Media reported on Monday on Metrorail’s temporary suspension of some services in Gauteng due to technical problems relating to diesel locomotives.

Diesel locomotives are currently being used for the hauling of commuter trains due to the unavailability of overhead traction equipment (OHTE), some of which was extensively vandalized and stolen during the prolonged lockdown period. “The train services affected by the suspension are lines operating between Pienaarspoort and Pretoria, and the recently introduced second train operating between Leralla and Johannesburg,” said Gauteng Metrorail spokesperson Tony Games. He advised that train services between Naledi and Johannesburg and the trains between Leralla and Elandsfontein had not been affected and were operating according to schedules. “The Leralla-Elandsfontein service has been extended to Germiston, to allow commuters to access economic opportunities,” said Games. He went on to say: “Metrorail management is working around the clock to speedily resolve this challenge. Metrorail would like to sincerely apologise to its valued commuters and employers about this temporary suspension.”

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Jonisayi Maromo at Independent Media
• Read too, Gauteng rail commuters left to find own transport as Metrorail suspends service, at EWN

Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page