TRAIN SERVICES BETWEEN EAST LONDON AND KWT OFF TO A GOOD START

By Mamnkeli Ngam

Metrorail Eastern Cape has introduced a new train service between East London and King William’s Town on 03 August 2009. The passenger train services between the two towns were terminated approximately two decades ago due to high operational costs and low income.

In preparation for the smooth running of the passenger service, the Eastern Cape region spent R14m to refurbish the King William’s Town station. An amount of R180 000 was also used to re-spray the coaches. The service will cost the region R11 000 per day in running costs.

Metrorail’s Regional Manager, Claudia Williams has this to say,

“The re-introduction of the service fulfils the vision of our mother company, the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) which is to provide an enhanced mobility of South Africans as the gateway to accessible social and economic opportunities and a shared future. Our customer should always obey safety rules for their own safety.”

She added that the service will benefit passengers to and from work and when they go about their daily chores at affordable prices.

Metrorail’s Corporate Security in collaboration with railway police from the South African Police services will ensure that safety and security of commuters on the trains and the station environment, is guaranteed. The service boast’s a Metro Plus and Metro coaches to cater for different markets. A return trip from East London to KWT in a Metroplus costs forty rands whereas on a Metro coach it costs fifteen rands. However the prices differ from one station to another depending on the distance.

“Weekly and monthly tickets are also available,” Thandi Magodla, the Customer Services Manager said.

She added that in the Metroplus coach there is no provision has been made for tea, coffee and a freed copy of the newspaper. Magodla said they were looking at a cost benefit analysis before making these services available.

Magodla said, obviously such services will come at a cost and our customers should be prepared for that. She encouraged customers to come forward to constructive ideas to improve the service by visiting the nearest station of phone 043-700 2626.

Enquiries:
Eastern Cape Metrorail
Mamnkeli Ngam
Marketing and Communications Manager
Tel:       043 700 2039
Mobile: 082 414 7742