BDFM Online
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
WITH proper investment and management, railways could be made the backbone of the transport system in SA, Transport Minister Jeff Radebe said today.
"We cannot be complacent until our economy is aggressively driven by an overall competitive and sustainable public transport system," the minister said at the launch of the new 10M5 trains in Pretoria.
The new trains were to help address continuing overcrowding and train cancellations which left commuters stranded.
"We are aware of the challenges of safety, security and passenger comfort and the 10M5 will address these issues," he said.
Features of the trains included a warning system to warm commuters when doors were closing, emergency lighting in case of power failure and doors that could not be opened while the train was in motion.
The train would also have a heating system and temperature control.
Radebe said SA's economy essentially depended on the effectiveness of public transport infrastructure planning and services.
He said the accelerated rolling stock programme would continue its upgrading of the 10M5 ahead of the 2010 Fifa World Cup and beyond.
The 10M5 design would be used in the Western Cape, Tshwane and Durban while the Witwatersrand would use a 10M4 design.
About 1 600 coaches would be refurbished over the next three years at a cost of R1bn per annum.