Pretoria - Metrorail will make available 41 trains to transport mourners free of charge across Gauteng to the memorial service of former President Nelson Mandela at FNB stadium on Tuesday.
Metrorail spokesperson in Gauteng, Lilian Mofokeng, said the trains have the capacity to transport 60 000 - 80 000 passengers.
“We have encouraged mourners to travel by train using Metrorail’s safe and convenient Park ʼn Ride facilities at stopping stations because no private vehicles will be allowed at the FNB stadium precinct.
“Metrorail invites Gauteng residents to make use of the available trains to share in the sombre of the occasion of the loss of the African jewel and rejoice in commemorating the legacy and life of our first democratically elected transformational leader,” she said.
Mofokeng said Metrorail will run its services to Nasrec Station as early as 5am for the convenience of all mourners.
She said the first train will arrive at Nasrec Station at 5:55am and the last train will depart from FNB Stadium after the conclusion of the memorial service.
Metrorail will also transport mourners to Ellis Park Stadium in central Johannesburg, Orlando Stadium and Dobsonville Stadium, both in Soweto. These stadia will cater for people once FNB Stadium reaches capacity. They will also screen the memorial service.
Autopax, a subsidiary of Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa, has also made available 300 buses to transport dignitaries to FNB Stadium. The dignitaries will be picked up at designated points.
Shuttle services
Mofokeng said there will be two dedicated train sets shuttling between Johannesburg Park Station-Nasrec Station, Westgate-Nasrec and Johannesburg-Doornfontein.
“Mourners are requested to gather at the stations mentioned below to catch the special dedicated trains, 30 minutes before departure time.
“No other trains will be provided outside these times. These trains will depart back to their place of origins after the memorial service,” she said. - SAnews.gov.za
