Bad weather delays trains
2006-08-02 13:45
Johannesburg - Bad weather in the Western Cape interior has delayed passenger trains by up to 14 hours, said Spoornet on Wednesday.
"Due to heavy rain and snowstorms in the Laingsburg-Touws River area several Shosholoza Meyl passenger trains are severely delayed," said Spoornet spokesperson Molatwane Likhethe.
Trains delayed are: train 71008 economy class from Johannesburg to Cape Town, 12 hours; train 71010 Trans-Karoo from Johannesburg to Cape Town, 14 hours; train 17005 Premier Classe from Cape Town to Johannesburg, 12 hours; train 17007 economy class from Cape Town to Johannesburg, 13 hours; and train 17011 Trans Karoo from Cape Town to Johannesburg, 10 hours.
Likhethe said the trains had to wait for lines to be cleared before it was safe to proceed. Alternative arrangements have been made for the Premier Classe passengers.
"Passengers will be transported by bus from Oranje Rivier to Johannesburg," said Likhethe.
Likhethe said arrangements were being made to ensure that trains would arrive at Johannesburg or Cape Town around 06:00 so that passengers were not stranded whilst no other transport was available.
Enquiries can be directed to the Shosholoza Meyl Call Centre on 086 000 8888.
- SAPA