The Gautrain has announced an increase in bus services to accommodate commuters affected by the temporary suspension of train operations between Park Station and Rosebank Station. This decision comes after illegal drilling on private property above the Gautrain tunnel led to soil and water seepage, disrupting Gautrain services.
Gautrain Increases Bus Services to Mitigate Disruptions
On Saturday, the Gautrain services were forced to halt between Park and Rosebank Stations due to water and soil seeping into the tunnel. In response, the transport company swiftly deployed additional buses to bridge the affected route.
Gauteng MEC for Transport and Logistics, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, visited the site to assess the ongoing repair work. She reassured commuters that safety remains a top priority, stating:
“Ensuring the safety of passengers remains the primary focus. While repairs are taking place, a Gautrain bus replacement service has been set up between Rosebank and Park Stations.”
Gautrain spokesperson Albi Modise confirmed that the train service between these two stations remains suspended while efforts to resolve the issue continue.
Illegal Drilling Blamed for Tunnel Damage
According to Modise, the disruption was caused by unauthorized drilling on private property above the Gautrain tunnel. This activity, which was not approved under the Gauteng Transport Infrastructure Act (GTIA), resulted in significant structural and operational challenges.
“This illegal activity caused the ingress of water and soil into the tunnel, affecting our ability to operate the system between Park and Rosebank Stations,” said Modise.
As a contingency measure, Gautrain increases bus services along the affected route. The replacement buses will run every 15 minutes from 05:30 AM to 20:30 PM to ensure minimal disruption for commuters.
Train Services Unaffected in Other Areas
While the Park-Rosebank route remains suspended, Gautrain services continue to operate as per schedule across other stations.
“We appreciate our customers’ patience and will continue to work with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that this incident is resolved. Our priority is to restore full services as soon as possible,” added Modise.
The Gautrain has also urged all stakeholders and developers to follow due process when planning construction activities near transport infrastructure to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Legal Action Against Perpetrators
In response to the unauthorized drilling, Gautrain Management Agency (GMA) CEO Tshepo Kgobe confirmed that legal proceedings are underway against those responsible.
“The processes of legal action have already started. There are contraventions of by-laws, as well as the Gauteng Transport Infrastructure Act,” Kgobe said in an interview with SABC News.
He emphasized that any construction or excavation above a protected servitude, such as the Gautrain tunnel, requires permission from the Gauteng Transport MEC.
“For you to build or dig a hole above the tunnel, you need our permission to do so,” Kgobe added, urging the public to respect local laws to avoid similar disruptions in the future.
Gautrain’s Commitment to Restoring Full Service
With Gautrain increasing bus services, affected passengers can expect a more streamlined travel experience while tunnel repairs are underway. The company remains committed to restoring full services as soon as the necessary repairs are completed.
For the latest updates on Gautrain services, commuters are encouraged to check official Gautrain communication channels.
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