/ 1 June 2016

Gautrain delays cause commuter havoc

The 2006 forensic report prepared for Zuma's trial that never saw the light of day ... now made available in the public interest.
The outcome of the ANC’s long-awaited KwaZulu-Natal conference was a win for the Thuma Mina crowd. (Delwyn Verasamy/M&G)

JOHANNESBURG, June 1 (ANA) – The month of June started badly for Gautrain passengers with service interruptions adding to the pain of fare increases which came into force on Wednesday.

Passengers faced the grim possibility of missing their flights as services from Johannesburg’s Park Station and Pretoria to OR Tambo International Airport, South Africa’s busiest airport, were delayed.

Gautrain released a statement on social media saying the disruption had been caused by a technical difficulty.

“Due to a technical difficulty, [the] first train to depart from OR Tambo has been delayed by one hour this morning and train service between Sandton and Park are temporarily disrupted,” Gautrain said.

Gautrain added that buses would replace the service, which was costing passengers more as of Wednesday.

Frustrated commuters queuing for buses outside stations tweeted their displeasure at the double whammy of fare increases and travel disruptions.

Lihle Shube said: “Increase in prices and train delays on same day. Apologise for the inconvenience! Irritated.”

Thulani Ndaba said: “No trains from Park station to Rosebank and Sandton. This is really frustrating. Now we have to wait in long lines for the bus.”

– African News Agency (ANA)

Disclaimer: This story is pulled directly from the African News Agency wire, and has not been edited by Mail & Guardian staff. The M&G does not accept responsibility for errors in any statement, quote or extract that may be contained therein.