Woman stuck on a train given run around for 18 hour delay

27 February 2017 5:34 PM

On Friday, caller Julie phoned John Maytham saying the train she was travelling on had been stuck in the Karoo all day.

They ended up arriving in Cape Town 18 hours late.

John Maytham did speak to Mthura Swarts, executive manager for the long distance passenger services at the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) after the incident, and Swarts called Julie.

He did call me and I was very grateful for the call and to you for getting me in touch with him.
— Julie, caller who was stuck on a train

Julie says she feels he made a lot of excuses - blaming Transnet, a shortage of drivers and locomotive issues.

He did apologise...and said he would contact every passenger on that train and offer them either 50% off a future rail travel with Prasa, or a 30% refund on the price of our ticket.
— Julie, caller who was stuck on a train

She says most passengers were grateful for the offer, though one American joked he would only be happy with a gold Kruger Rand.

The good news is Julie and her family is in cape Town having a wonderful holiday.

Mthura Swarts, executive manager for the mainline passenger services for Prasa had agreed to speak to John Maytham on air but was not available.

This article first appeared on CapeTalk : Woman stuck on a train given run around for 18 hour delay

Written by: Barbara Friedman