MINISTER ROBIN CARLISLE - COSATU AND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HAVE SOLD OUT METRORAIL COMMUTERS

Robin Carlisle, the Minister of Transport and Public Works in the Western Cape has said that ‘if it is true that Cosatu and the Chamber of Commerce have agreed with Metrorail to fare increases ranging between 13 and 21%, then it is regrettable that they have sold out the long-suffering train commuters of the Western Cape.

‘In my discussions with Metrorail's regional management, in my communication with the Deputy Minister of Transport and in my public statements I have consistently stated that the increases should be limited to single digit figures,' Minister Carlisle said.

‘What is more, these increases are on top of the 33% fare increase in 2010 - since then, Metrorail's services have deteriorated significantly.

‘It is also unacceptable that the increases are effective from 1 April. As I have said in the past, commuters should have been given at least a month to plan their finances,' said Carlisle.

Statement issued by Robin Carlisle, Western Cape Minister of Transport and Public Works, April 1 2012

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