Metrorail in the Western Cape has admitted that its plans to improve service and security are long overdue. About 100 security guards as well as army reservists have already been deployed to address the security concerns. With about 700 000 people using the service every day, lack of security was a huge issue.

CEO of Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa), Mosenngwa Mofi, said: “The programme is about putting the customer first. We want to ensure the reliability of the service. We want to change the perception that Metrorail doesn’t care.”

Charlotte Heyns from the Cape Town United Commuters Voice praised the proposed plan.“We are very happy that there’s a plan. We were really worried because the rail service has been deteriorating very badly.”

The Western Cape Transport MEC, Robin Carlisle, said he was happy with Metrorail’s plan.

“For the very first time, Metrorail has brought together every single one of the problems and challenges that it is faced with, and it’s a terrifying list. However, it is recognising what needs to be fixed and is working on it.”

Earlier this year, Carlisle threatened to sue Metrorail over service and security concerns.