Metro Services
Passenger journeys 1991/92
|
First
Class
|
Third
class
|
Total
|
| 61,4m |
406,8m |
468,3m |
Fare revenue 1991/92: R329,6m
Made up as follows:
First class: 29%
Third class: 71%
The table below shows the regional division of revenue:
|
Region
|
Percentage
|
| Western Cape |
34,5% |
| Cape Midlands |
0,6% |
| Eastern Cape |
0,8% |
| Natal |
13,6% |
| Southern Transvaal |
37,5% |
| Northern Transvaal |
13,0% |
Fare evasion
During the year, random surveys were done on certain sections
to determine the extent of fare evasion. The study indicates that
fare evasion represents, on average, 25% of fare revenue. Research
is being conducted to investigate ways of changing fare structures
and access control in order to curb fare evasion.
Ticket Issuing Machines - Progress report
The portable ticket issuing machine (PTIM) project is in progress.
This project was launched to phase out handwritten tickets (surcharge
tickets).
More of these machines will be purchased during 1992/93. There
has been good progress with the project to install ticket issuing
machines (TIMs) at stations. During 1992 the pilot scheme will
be implemented and after successful testing, the system will be
implemented in the Northern Transvaal. This system will replace
the old mechanical ticket issuing machines, resulting in a better
point-of-sale service for commuters.
Quality of service
Generally commuters feel that the quality of service is not
up to standard. The prevailing security situation on trains and
the general political and economic conditions have greatly affected
public acceptance and utilisation of the service. Continuing market
research is aimed at determining commuters' expectations and their
motivations for using a public transport service. This research
is also used to determine priorities for the upgrading of facilities
and services.
Upgrading of stations
Regular maintenance, repair and upgrading of station facilities
are carried out on an ongoing basis. Platform surfaces, fencing,
access control, benches, toilets, waiting areas, information boards,
shelters and ticket issuing facilities are some of the aspects
addressed in this regard. During the 1991/92 financial year 87
stations throughout the country where Metro business is carried
out, were upgraded. Of these 87 stations 36 are in the Southern
Transvaal, 23 in Northern Transvaal, 22 in Natal and 6 in the
Western Cape. The total cost to the Corporation of this programme
for 1991/92 was R19m.
The programme is an ongoing one and during 1992/93 will include
Spoornet stations where Metro business is carried out.
Security upgrading of stations
The current socio-economic state of the country resulted in
the security of commuters, staff and infrastructure becoming much
more important during the year than previously.
Fare evasion, attacks on commuters, vandalism, robbery and intimidation
of staff and commuters increased to such an extent that a dedicated
security programme was introduced.
This programme provides for the upgrading of stations over a
five-year period with specific reference to security aspects on
these stations. The programme was subsequently shortened to have
all stations completed by 31 March 1993. Under this programme
100 stations were security-upgraded during the year - 49 in Southern
Transvaal, 20 in Northern Transvaal, 7 in Natal and 24 in the
Western Cape. The cost of these security upgradings amounted to
R14m.
Security incidents on Metro property
Monthly security incidents on Metro property during the year
fluctuated between 10 during October and 43 during February. The
overall tendency was, unfortunately, upwards throughout the year
up to December, during which month a decrease form 41 to 22 occurred.
After this the increasing tendency continued, January showing
an increase to 38 incidents and February to 43.
The security situation is monitored on a daily basis by Corporation
officials in conjunction with Spoornet security personnel and
the SA Police. Hired private security forces also play their part
in providing a safe environment for train commuters.
General information - Station operations
The Corporation monitors client perceptions on a regular basis
through monthly analysis of commuter complaints and feedback and
institutes remedial action where necessary.
Perceptions are also monitored by analysing media coverage and
the Metro train service in general.
Personnel of the Corporation as well as Metro personnel liaise
with commuter groups in the various regions to monitor commuter
perceptions in an attempt to solve perceived problems.
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