City to sharpen focus on public transport safety – Tau

06-05-2015

 

The recent Metrobus and train accidents in Johannesburg, which collectively claimed the lives of four people – including that of a pregnant woman – and left dozens injured, “emphasised the importance of public transport safety”, Johannesburg Executive Mayor Councillor Parks Tau said during his State of the City Address today.

 

The Mayor announced that the City would soon launch a campaign to ensure adherence to all aspects of occupational health and safety.

 

He said already Metrobus, the City’s bus division, had confirmed it would retrain all its drivers.

“This is the least we can do to honour the memory of those tragically killed in the recent Metrobus crash on Jan Smuts Avenue. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of Mr Ludwe Peter, Ms Sibusisiwe Zikhali and Ms Reeva Ruurds, as well as all those who were injured.  We also extend our sympathy to all those killed or injured on Johannesburg roads,” said Mayor Tau.

 

The Mayor’s announcement coincides with the third annual United Nations’ Global Road Safety Week, which reaches its climax on Sunday May 10.

The City’s Department of Transport is taking the UN campaign, called #SaveKidsLives, to more than 100 primary and high schools throughout Johannesburg to create awareness and a platform for the youth to express their road safety concerns and messages.

 

About 34% of the Johannesburg population use public transport.

Last month, Lucky Montana, Group CEO of the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa stressed the need for the modernisation of the Metrorail fleet.

 

He said new train sets with enhanced safety features such as automatic braking systems would soon be added to the existing fleet.