DataDot

Metrorail attempts to combat asset theft

METRORAIL Western Cape's announcement that it has acquired new technology to combat the theft of its assets, causing up to 27 trains to be delayed every weekday, was met with mixed reactions.

While Cosatu - which is preparing to go on strike against Metrorail over the unreliable rail service - said Metrorail should buy new train sets to address overcrowding in coaches, concerned commuters were excited about the new development.

On Friday at a media briefing at Cape Town Station Western Cape Regional Manager Lindelo Matya announced the latest measures to discourage vandals and to recover stolen assets, data dot technology

It entails tagging assets with microscopic unique identification dots that allow assets to be easily traced back to the original owner.

The microscopic dots are revealed under ultraviolet light and are impossible to remove from marked items. Metrorail spent R20 000 on the technology.

Cosatu provincial secretary Tony Ehrenreich said the new technology would only help with identification of rail assets and that that was not a "fundamental" problem.

"The major problem is overcrowding in coaches due to lack of train sets, they should buy new train sets," said Ehrenreich.

He accused Metrorail of not spending on big requirements but rather on operational issues and argued that they should be dotting their assets anyway.

"The major problem is that there has been no real capital expenditure," he said.

Rika Steenkamp, a rail commuter who often sends complaints and photographs about trains to Metrorail, said she was "elated" about Metrorail's increased interest to stop crime in their environment. "That is very encouraging and commuters alike will be happy that the necessary action and attention is now given to this widespread problem. This will definitely improve the amount of trains working on the lines," said the Kraaifontein resident.

Over the last six months vandalism caused 4 950 trains to be delayed and 211 trains have had to be cancelled.

kwanele. butaria@inl.co.za