Commuters turning to the Gautrain in a desperate bid to flee skyrocketing petrol prices and the impending e-tolling doom are being let down and forced back to Gauteng roads.
A lack of sufficient parking, as reported  this morning, is not the only problem plaguing the Gautrain network.
The peculiarity of the Gautrain bus routes and the inconsistent bus schedules also frustrates commuters and contributes to the parking overcrowding problem.
Bombela’s claim that the bus network is a viable alternative to the parking problem is short-sighted. The revision of the system’s reach is long overdue by admission of the Gautrain Management Agency.
Continued significant overcrowding on peak hour trains remains a great concern with passengers piling into carriages contesting for limited seating and standing room. The packed trains during peak hours pose a safety risk and are a disaster waiting to happen.
I will submit questions to Roads and Transport MEC Ismail Vadi to determine what urgent short and medium term interventions the Gautrain Management Agency intends to institute to address the ever-growing problems plaguing the network.
The Gautrain is a proud landmark of Gauteng and emblematic of the immense economic potential and progress of the province. Commuters must be assured of a safe, accessible, reliable and efficient public transportation network.

 

(http://www.timeslive.co.za/thetimes/2012/10/10/gautrain-under-strain)