Metrorail ‘free-for-all’ is a ticking time bomb

A commuter free-for-all at several Cape Town train stations has created a dangerous time bomb at the heart of the city's public transport system. 

Non-paying passengers are barging onto trains en masse at key stations on the main commuter line, posing a serious public safety risk. The lawlessness is impacting both the local taxi and bus services, thereby also aggravating commercial rivalries and escalating tensions within an already volatile sector. 

Metrorail urgently needs to intervene.

Taxi and bus stakeholders have raised concerns, but so far to no avail as Metrorail appears unable to remedy the situation. Steenberg, Stock Road and Nyanga are three current flashpoint areas requiring immediate attention.  Several taxis were torched in Nyanga recently, reportedly due to tensions related to a significant drop in business as a result of free train rides. 

The security breach comes amid concerted efforts to reform the taxi industry, an initiative supported by a broad coalition of stakeholders in both the private and public sector. A commuter free-for-all undermines these efforts which have started to bear fruit, with huge potential benefit for passenger safety. 

Metrorail has a legal obligation to protect its passengers. It has also made good progress in repairing the commuter rail system following years of neglect. We cannot allow years of good work to be undone by criminal elements intent on destabilising a fragile commuter network – to the detriment of commuter safety. 

In effect, the lawlessness also amounts to unfair competition, by drawing commuters away from taxi and bus operators who are justifiably aggrieved.  The state should be supporting these vital business sectors, not threatening their viability.  

In our view the problem could be largely contained via a few swift security measures. Metrorail should ensure proper ticket control – by verifying that commuters are in possession of valid tickets – and access control to train platforms. Staff need to be adequately trained and equipped to prevent chaos before it unfolds.  

The Cape Chamber is committed to helping all stakeholders reach a speedy resolution to the current crisis.   

An efficient, low-cost public transport system is a key ingredient for economic growth. Ensuring the system functions efficiently should therefore be a top priority.

Derryn Brigg
Deputy President of the Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry