The ongoing transport issues in the city have really got people bedonnerd.
Setting trains alight has now become a regular thing.
Of course this makes no sense as it’s just going to make matters worse.
Now there are fewer trains, which is going to make life harder for those of us relying on Metrorail.
But I understand the frustration.
People have had enough of waiting and running from platform to platform hoping they are on the right train.
I have heard stories of how mense have to walk home on the train lines, because the train has decided to stop in the middle of nowhere; or how people are letting trains pass because they don’t want to feel like sardines in a can.
I have also heard of some people who have lost their jobs because they arrive at work late every day, because of the trains. Some bosses just don’t understand.
How do you explain the train situation to someone who went to school by car, got a car from their parents when they started university and then had a job waiting for them at daddy’s business, after which they bought an even better car?
I have been assuming that bosses are being understanding about staff who arrive late because of the trains. But it turns out I was wrong.
Many people go to work anxious every morning, because they have been warned not to be late again.
Those of us with cars forget how privileged we are.
We complain about the traffic and the taxis, forgetting to be grateful for the fact that we are warm and safe inside our cars.
Plus we have a lot more options than those relying on public transport.
Remember when the trains are in a mess like this, all that spills over into the taxis, buses and lift clubs, which means more vehicles on the roads.
I understand that companies need reliable, punctual staff to run effectively.
For example, if the local supermarket’s staff run late, that means the store doesn’t open on time, the bakery isn’t ready with the bread, the deliveries run late and the customers get irritated at the long queues.
And all of that affects the bottom line, which could result in retrenchments, which has an effect on the economy.
The domino effect is very wide and catastrophic, but it definitely is not the workers’ fault for being late.
And I suppose it’s not the boss’ fault for being privileged and not always understanding.
But the fact is, this is outside of the ordinary person’s control.
And we can’t blame Metrorail exclusively either.
Yes, they shoulder most of the blame, but we are also responsible for destroying the very infrastructure they are trying to manage for us.
This is a classic case of biting the hand that feeds you.
So now that we are here, what do we do?
Firstly, we all need to take collective responsibility for our communal possessions, especially the things that we depend on to make a living, like trains and buses.
Even if you don’t use them, your domestic, your staff or a relative do, so it’s your responsibility as well.
The train network is vast, so obviously Metrorail can’t secure all of it.
It is our duty to help them and report those who damage the infrastructure.
Scrapyards who buy stolen items, remember, it affects you as well, because your staff probably use the trains.
And finally government.
You guys need to start planning ahead.
Because if businesses are affected and people are losing their jobs because of this, it’s going to mean less taxes for you, which means your pockets and the economy suffers.
So considering the importance and the fact that the trains are old and in a terrible state, you should be looking at replacing them as a matter of urgency.
And securing them, so they remain in good condition.
You’ll get more people leaving their cars at home and using the trains, which will solve the road congestion and pollution issues.
Until that time comes, bosses, you need to be a lot more understanding and stop stressing your workers about something they can do nothing about.