By Bulelani Phillip
Metrorail's new train timetable comes into effect on Sunday, but commuters fear that the changes will only further "inconvenience" them.
When the new timetable was first announced, Metrorail maintained that the time changes were "based upon customer feedback", but some commuters on the Bellville to Cape Town route, via Bonteheuwel, believe the changes will affect their routine.
Linda Joseph, 43, of Belhar, has been travelling that line for the past 15 years.
She boards the 7.30am train and normally arrives at Cape Town station at about 8am, leaving her enough time to walk to work and arrive on time.
When the new timetable is introduced, Joseph said she will have to change her travelling routine and take the 7.18am train in Belhar, which will stop at Mutual railway station, where she will have to disembark and wait for another train.
"I am very upset because this is inconsideration shown to the passengers, it's a peak-hour train for goodness' sake."
Other passengers, who have been travelling on this and the Mitchells Plain line to Ysterplaat, will no longer have this service as of Sunday.
Said Metrorail spokesperson Riana Jacobs: "Commuter forums were the first to receive details regarding proposed changes and printed information was distributed from September 2, 2004 to customers. Metrorail customer care staff will be on hand to advise and assist customers with their travel arrangements during the implementation period."
The full timetable is available on www.capemetrorail.co.zaor 0800 65 64 63.