Dudu Busani

Dudu Busani

Hundreds of commuters were left stranded yesterday afternoon after trains operating in the western Johannesburg areas were nowhere to be seen.

Train stations such as Langlaagte, Crisis, Longdale and New Canada were packed with confused commuters who had been waiting for trains between 4pm and 7pm.

Some commuters resorted to alternative transport such as buses and taxis, but those who had no money were seen walking towards Soweto.

The crisis is alleged to have been caused by an electricity problem and comes only less than a month after commuters from all over Gauteng were left stranded after Metrorail's Cetral Train Control centre was completely destroyed due to thunderstorms.

The incident led to commuters attempting to torch trains in Fountain and Mountainview Stations.

The estimated number of people who use trains daily is estimated at 1.5-million.

People have been encouraged to use trains as it will decrease the number of cars on the roads, meaning less traffic jams.

Sowetan could not get hold of Metrorail spokesman Thokozani Zitha for an explanation.