By Nangamso Mabindla
6 May 2008

IN an effort to meet the increase in demand for morning train services, Metrorail will add more coaches to their trains in Eastern Cape.

The rail company's regional communications and marketing manager, Mamnkeli Ngam, said that morning train services were becoming more congested and, in response to this demand, management had decided to fit additional coaches.

"This challenge is receiving our attention and additional coaches have been fitted on three of our train sets that are in service. That effectively means an increase from 10 to 11 coaches for those train sets and an increase in commuter carrying capacity."

Ngam explained that high passenger volumes would lead to reduced train travelling speed and longer stopping times to allow commuters to get on and off the trains safely.

"There will also be indefinite service delays if overcrowding occurs. We regard the safety of our commuters as paramount, but we also need them to behave responsibly and not get involved in activities that could put their safety in jeopardy."

To ensure that passengers were aware about safety on trains and at stations, Metrorail held a safety education campaign between East London and Berlin last week.

"The safety campaign was very successful and people were very happy that we took time to educate them about safety. Now they want more of these campaigns and we are planning on having another one at the end of the month."

Turning his attention to the newly introduced off-peak train service between East London and Berlin, Ngam said that it was successful. "Rail passenger numbers have increased and this has proven that we took a good decision when we introduced the off peak service."