Zuma witnesses Pretoria transport chaos

(In the picture: President Zuma at Denneboom Railway Station in Mamelodi) President Jacob Zuma undertook an announced assessment of the public transport infrastructure around Pretoria, beginning in Denneboom Railway Station and Denneboom Taxi Rank in Mamelodi, A Re Yeng Bus station in Hatfield and on Skinner Street, on 06 March 2015. Ntswe Mokoena

(In the picture: President Zuma at Denneboom Railway Station in Mamelodi) President Jacob Zuma undertook an announced assessment of the public transport infrastructure around Pretoria, beginning in Denneboom Railway Station and Denneboom Taxi Rank in Mamelodi, A Re Yeng Bus station in Hatfield and on Skinner Street, on 06 March 2015. Ntswe Mokoena

Published Mar 6, 2015

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Pretoria – President Jacob Zuma experienced first-hand the transport problems bedeviling commuters when he paid an unannounced visit to the Pretoria train station on Friday.

“I have personally identified some positive improvements and serious challenges concerning our public transport. I am more concerned with the railway transport system because I have personally experienced and witnessed the challenges faced by our people and indeed a lot need to be done to improve our railway transport system,” Zuma told reporters.

“In Mamelodi people told me that they were always delayed at work due to late arrival of trains and that the standard of safety and security was also a serious problem.”

Some commuters urged the President to urgently improve the security situation in trains, particularly for women and pupils.

Zuma pledged that he would engage the relevant government departments in a bid to swiftly address the problems. He said more trains should be provided to the area.

After visiting the busy Denneboom train station, Zuma went to the taxi rank and spoke to other commuters.

He proceeded to the Tshwane rapid transit bus station in Hatfield, where he boarded a bus into central Pretoria.

Some residents however were skeptical about the President’s visit.

“It’s not the first time that Zuma has visited and seen our problems first-hand. Using public transport is so backward because you will never be on time for your appointments,” said Nigel Mothoa of Silverton. “The Metrorail trains are very unreliable and always packed. I would rather walk to my destination.”

Ivy Tshwete pinned his hopes on the President’s visit.

“Now that he has seen our problems, I know we will see improvements. The cost of public transport is getting unaffordable for the poor.”

“We spent a huge chunk of our salaries on transport. I have to pay rent and school fees for my children. We plead with the President to address our problems before things get out of hand,” said the mother of four in Mamelodi.

In a statement, the Presidency said Zuma’s unannounced visit was part of monitoring the state of public transport and the infrastructure. The trip is part of the presidential service delivery monitoring programme.

ANA

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