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The Portfolio Committee on Transport has sent its condolences to the family of the victim of a train accident on Johannesburg’s East Rand on Monday, and wishes a speedy recovery to the injured.

The Chairperson of the Committee, Ms Dikeledi Magadzi, said the frequency with which train accidents occur is a concern. “We are deeply saddened. Rail should be the safest mode of transport for our people, as they depend on trains for their daily transport. This is Transport Month and an assurance from the Rail Safety Regulator (RSR) has been that improvements are happening in rail,” Ms Magadzi said.

“Investigations should speedily determine if the accident is due to human error and, if it is, that justifies the need for continuous training of train drivers,” she said. Two trains collided in Johannesburg’s East Rand, after one of the drivers allegedly ignored a red light. It has been reported that one person died and a number of others were injured.

Ms Magadzi said while improvements are being undertaken on rolling stock, upgrading of infrastructure, including signaling equipment, should also take place. “Safety, effectiveness and affordability of rail services should never be compromised in the eyes of the people, as it is the single largest mode of transportation and links them to economic opportunities,” she said.

Ms Magadzi said over and above training, drivers should be encouraged to exercise caution at all times, particularly while infrastructure upgrades are being carried out.

Issued by Parliamentary Communication Services on behalf of the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee of Transport, Ms Dikeledi Magadzi