Question NW684 to the Minister of Transport
12 June 2020 - NW684
Waters, Mr M to ask the Minister of Transport
(1)What number of passenger trains (a) are operating between (i) Germiston and Pretoria, (ii) Springs and Dunswart and (iii) Daveyton and Dunswart and (b) should be operating on the specified routes; (2) what are the reasons that only one train can operate at a time between Germiston and Elandsfontein?
Reply:
(a) There number of trains operating between:
i. Germiston and Pretoria: - There are 12 train trips {Passenger Trains} operated via a diesel locomotive to shuttle services between Johannesburg and Elandsfontein. This then connects with an electrical Metro between Elandsfontein and Centurion – 10 trips, then connecting with another diesel locomotive between Centurion and Pretoria) 10 trips.
ii. There are 24 train daily trips between Springs and Dunswart.
iii. There are no train services running between Daveyton and Dunswart due to theft of overhead cables affecting both lines.
(b) There number of passenger trains that should be operating between
(i) Germiston and Pretoria is 42 passenger train trips
(ii) Springs and Dunswart is 24 passenger train trips
(iii) Dunswart and Daveyton is 72 passenger train trips
2. There reason why there is only one train that can operate at a time between Germiston and Elandsfontein is because during December 2019, when the train service was halted to allow for the signalling works project at Germiston, there was overhead cable theft between Knights and Germiston on one of the only two lines in this area. An alternative method of working (called Pilot working) in accordance with the Train Working Rules had to be implemented. This method ensures safety when train runs UP and DOWN using the same track.