West Rand Residents Call for the Return of Rail Service
“Today marks the 4th year since the transport took away our right to have a transport of our choice – Metrorail,” said Dikeledi Jiyane from Khutsong, Carletonville.
Ms. Dikeledi Jiyane took a journey from Carletonville to Johannesburg using a taxi and paid R70.00 plus R20.00 for local taxis.
“I really can’t believe what I have experienced today, using Prasa/Metrorail train from Park station to Randfontein, I paid R5.50 for a single trip,” Ms. Dikeledi Jiyane said.
The blue trains represent hope for many commuters seeking relief from high transportation costs, with fares significantly lower than taxi alternatives.
“Before 1994, Klerksdorp, Potchefstroom, Welverdiend, Oberholzer commuters used to have trains traveling from Johannesburg to Klerksdorp everyday.”
She further said, in 2020 the former Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula removed all the security guards responsible for Prasa Metrorail infrastructure.
Vandalism of Prasa Metrorail infrastructure took place, said Dikeledi Jiyane.
Furthermore, it started with the Westonaria Metrorail line, which was destroyed completely under the watch of Mbalula (former Transport Minister).
“What the commuters are experiencing is paying exorbitant taxi fares everyday,” said Nosipho Msindo, a resident from Khutsong Ext 1, Carletonville.
The current Minister of Transport failed to include Oberholzer, Welverdiend trains in the corridor development plan, said Ms. Nosipho Msindo. “The ministry is not applying services equally to the people of Western Transvaal (currently West Rand District). We are forgotten citizens, but they want us to vote for them.”
“The ministry of transport must include Oberholzer-Welverdiend corridor in the development plan or face legal actions,” said Ms. Nosipho Msindo.
“Prasa Metrorail management and the ministry of transport must respect the will of the people, the right to have a transport of their choice. Residents are tired of the arrogant, bully taxi operators who are harassing commuters everyday, said Dikeledi Jiyane.
In recent years, PRASA has reintroduced the iconic blue commuter trains on several routes in and around Johannesburg, including the Randfontein line mentioned in this article.
These refurbished trains are part of PRASA’s recovery plan following years of vandalism and infrastructure decay.
Despite progress on some routes, many communities like those in the West Rand District continue to wait for the restoration of crucial rail corridors that previously connected them to economic opportunities in Johannesburg.