They have made efforts to recover from the collapse of rail networks in the country. With the introduction of new trains in Soweto, The Passenger Rail Agency (PRASA) has banned all trading and church services in trains, saying it is for passenger safety and onboard cleanliness.Many informal traders were hoping the return of trains would revive their businesses but the new rules forbid them.

WORSHIPPING IN TRANSIT

The Transport Department and PRASA recently launched their new trains. Prasa Spokesperson Lillian Mofokeng tells Zimoja that they will not be allowing any loitering, blocking the passageways and churches to allow free movement among commuters. "With every new train service there comes responsibilities attached to it. PRASA has committed to a new passenger service structure. We are doing this to ensure that there is the free passage of movement for our commuters so that they are kept clean and safe and one particular behavioural system of any other group cannot be imposed on other commuters on board," she says. "These activities have demonstrated over the years that they inconvenience many commuters and limit free movement inside the train," she adds.

NEW RULES

PRASA has embarked on an education campaign to teach commuters about new rules. "The current rolling stock is structured differently and has open coaches," Mofokeng says. "Due to this openness of coaches and oneness of the train sets, it is important not to impose a behavioural system on any o four commuters. It is also in the interest of prioritising safety. Sibusiso Mbebe says he previously made R1500 a week selling in the trains. "I depended on that money to feed my child and I was hoping with the returns of the trains, things would get back to normal and I would be able to make money again. But it seems that this will be an issue." Andile Mcapayi who commutes using the train, says that because of work, he has been unable to attend church and the only spiritual upliftment he receives is on the train on his way to work and back. "How is praying and worshipping affecting people's safety? Trains would get stuck along the way and we spent that time worshipping. How do you ban church or something positive from the trains? I want to see how long this will last," he adds. Palesa Kambule, the deputy president of The Soweto Business Forum (SBF) says not being allowed to trade takes away from people's livelihoods. "When trains were not operating, many families went to bed hungry.In the same breath, we agree with Prasa about trading aboard the trains. Traders, however, have no issue with the formalisation of the informal trade industry."