Metrorail spokesman Thokozani Zitha said train services were still operating yesterday in Pretoria - thanks to a cellphone backup system - following thunderstorms that hit its central train control in Tshwane on Tuesday.

Metrorail spokesman Thokozani Zitha said train services were still operating yesterday in Pretoria - thanks to a cellphone backup system - following thunderstorms that hit its central train control in Tshwane on Tuesday.

The central train control is a centre where all communications and train movements are monitored.

"Our CTC was completely destroyed on Tuesday night, leaving many of our customers stranded in and around Gauteng," Zitha said. She said some commuters attempted to burn trains at both Fountains and Mountainview stations on the same night.

"We are aware of the frustrations, the service is slow due to the network being clogged up. The optic fibre is out and trains are authorised manually in most areas," she said.

Technicians were repairing the optic to restore the systems as a matter of urgency. - Sapa