MetroRail Cape Town Station / Image: TheSouthAfrican
Western Cape trains come to a halt as Eskom cuts power
Metrorail train services have been suspended in the Western Cape following a loss of power. This allegedly follows Prasa’s non-payment of electricity bills.
MetroRail Cape Town Station / Image: TheSouthAfrican
No trains are operating in the Western Cape on Thursday 27 February after Eskom cut the power. Train operator Metrorail confirmed on social media that the regional service had been “temporarily suspended”.
According to TimesLive, the Passenger Rail Association of South Africa (Prasa) acting regional manager Raymond Maseko said that Eskom had cut power to Prasa, citing non-payment of fees.
Metrorail cites loss of overhead electrical power
Transport Minister Fikile Mbalalu said the situation was due to “Prasa-Eskom matters”.
At 12:15, Metrorail in the Western Cape tweeted that all trains were at holding stations because of a “loss of overhead electrical power”, adding:
“The regional train service is temporarily suspended due to loss of traction power supply. Further updates to follow. Commuters are advised to make use of own alternative transport.”
In a short statement, Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula confirmed that Eskom had “cut electricity supply to three Prasa substations, severely affecting Metrorail operations”.
The following trains are stationary
The following trains are stationary in various stations in the region:
- Bellville station: 3520, 3416, 2820, 3522, 9013
- Observatory: 0166 (passenger related incident)
- Fish Hoek station: 0153
- Eersteriver station: 3218, 3413, 3418
- Retreat station: 0533
- Brackenfell station: 3522
- Kuilsriver station: 3416
Dan Plato urges Prasa to pay overdue electricity bill
Cape Town Mayor Dan Plato urged Prasa to pay its overdue electricity bill to restore Cape Town operations after electricity supply was cut to Cape Town Station, as well as stations across the province on Thursday.
“Prasa owes Eskom millions in unpaid power bills. The closure of Cape Town train station and others across the Western Cape compromises the safe transport of hundreds of thousands of commuters,” said Plato.
“The train service is already plagued by sustained vandalism through arson and cable theft. The suspension of the service is a further indication that Prasa is unable to successfully run its operations.”
Dan Plato
“I urge Prasa to get its house in order and settle its overdue electricity bill with Eskom as a matter of urgency. It is unacceptable that our commuters continue to bear the brunt of Prasa’s inept running of the service.”
Dan Plato
