THE METRO RAIL INCREASE
Metrorail has been blundering in respect of the services it delivers. That is why COSATU has been part of a court case against them for improved services and security as well as many protest actions. This new increases in the light of the bad services is unacceptable, and disregards the plight of commuters.
We however realise that it is not enough to just scream and complain and decided to intervene in a manner that addresses the impact of the increases on our members, and the community at large. So we commenced negotiations with Metro Rail, which resulted in a reduction of the increases from 27% to 13% for monthly tickets.
The final deal also included free trains for pensioners every Tuesday, a 20%price of pickets for unemployed and students travelling in off peak times. A special family rate of R10 per family to use trains of Sundays for family excursions. This deal was welcomed by COSATU members and working families.
This deal may be imperfect but it brings some relief to the commuters, and opens the door for further negotiations in respect of fare pricing as well as service levels. It is only when we do nothing that we never run the risk of ever being challenged on our actions.
This is the modus operandi of MEC Carlisle, who always arrives after the horse has bolted and never does anything to address the actual problem proactively. MEC Carlisle is going on the trains today to hear commuters say what we all agree to - that we are opposed to the increases. But this is just politicking and not offering solutions, much like him going to the rural bus transport after the accidents have happened, not doing anything proactive.
We have been appealing for the Government in City and Province to assist in this crisis, but they refuse to engage with labour to find solutions. Instead they allocate millions to support My City busses, and don't implement My City bus increases. Their normal story will no doubt follow about it being National Government competency, as there is a greater desire to play petty politics than actually solve the problems of working families.
We understand that there were some problems this month, that people were charged higher rates for metro plus monthly tickets, but this has been attended to and commuters can claim their refunds from customer services. We will continue to bring all of the role players together and try and find creative solutions, both short and long term. We have to fix this train as it continues travelling, not ideal, but those are the challenges in the real world.
Statement issued by Mike Louw and Tony Ehrenreich COSATU W Cape, April 2 2012
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