Commuters up in arms after PRASA stops Amanzimtoti bus service
Since Monday, 6 November the buses have been discontinued and all commuters are now required to pay the higher rate to travel by taxi to their desired destinations.
TRAIN commuters have spoken out about the mayhem that ensued after the buses which were shuttling them in the wake of the damage to local railway lines, were suddenly discontinued.
School children, some of whom are writing their final matric exams currently, along with workers and other commuters have been left with no choice but to take taxis to their respective destinations, extending what was an hour long journey into a three hour, multi-leg and costly expedition.
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“We are at the Warner Beach train station at 4.45am daily to catch the train to Amanzimtoti,” said Warner Beach resident, Rosie McCann. “Because of the damage caused to the railway lines in the October storm, from Toti station we then had to board a bus (which was covered by our train ticket) which took me to the Rossburgh station and my husband through to Durban.
Not all road users were pleased with the overloaded buses but for those who previously relied on trains, they were sufficient. Since Monday, 6 November the buses have been discontinued and all commuters are now required to pay the higher rate to travel by taxi to their desired destinations.”
The couple expressed their concern about taking taxis.
“There are just too many people who need to be accommodated on these taxis – there aren’t enough of them,” said Robert McCann. “Aside from the space issue, we now have to pay taxi fares – which are far more expensive than the trains or buses.”
Having to catch a train, then a taxi, then another train every morning and evening is not only expensive, but tedious and even dangerous.
“There are many school children, some of whom are writing their final matric exams as well as workers who need to be at work at a certain time,” said Rosie.
“These commuters are under extreme pressure to arrive at their destination on time. After having to catch so many different modes of transport, with the possibility of missing a train or taxi, there is a great chance that a pupil’s final exams or a workers’ job is at risk.”
The couple, along with many others who find themselves in the same boat, question the city and the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) about why the buses were suddenly discontinued before the train lines were fixed and operational.
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PRASA’s Nomonde Masango of the marketing and communications department explained PRASA’s reasoning for the discontinuation of the buses.
“In the wake of the recent storm that inflicted severe damage to our rail infrastructure, PRASA Metrorail KZN has been providing buses across all affected areas,” she said. “On Monday, 6 November a decision was made to stop providing bus services in the South between Reunion and Amanzimtoti train station as it was not sustainable.
We are focusing all resources on restoring services rather than utilising resources for temporary arrangements. Repairs to this section of rail line will begin on Monday, 13 November and are expected to take about three months. We understand the frustration and apologise for the inconvenience.
This is all we have at the moment, and should any changes arise we will inform the commuters and public.”
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