South Africa's Famous Blue Train Suspended Indefinitely
South Africa's Famous Blue Train Suspended Indefinitely. Photo: Twitter/ The Blue Train

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South Africa’s Famous Blue Train Suspended Indefinitely

South Africa’s luxurious Blue Train is being suspended, effective from today 14 February 2022, until further notice, according to a Transnet message shared on social media. “Due to safety considerations the business has taken the decision to suspend The Blue Train operations in order to conduct a full analysis following the recent unfortunate incidents that […]

By SAPeople
16-02-22 18:40
in Eish!
South Africa's Famous Blue Train Suspended Indefinitely
South Africa's Famous Blue Train Suspended Indefinitely. Photo: Twitter/ The Blue Train

South Africa’s luxurious Blue Train is being suspended, effective from today 14 February 2022, until further notice, according to a Transnet message shared on social media.

“Due to safety considerations the business has taken the decision to suspend The Blue Train operations in order to conduct a full analysis following the recent unfortunate incidents that have befallen the Blue Train,” said Chief Business Development Officer Ms Yolisa Kani in a letter to colleagues.

Those incidents include one of the Blue Train’s derailments in November, which fortunately occurred on a secluded line in Germiston; and the fire which broke out earlier this month in one of coaches from that derailment, which had been sent in for repairs at the company’s Engineering facility in Koedoespoort.

Blue Train derailed
SA’s famous Blue Train derailed in November. Photo: Twitter

At the time Transnet said: “Three people were seen fleeing the scene. One person was apprehended by Transnet security personnel and handed over to the police. Two other people are still at large.”

In the letter today, posted on Twitter, Ms Kani said that while the service is suspended, all Blue Train staff will be required to assist at the depot/offices.

https://twitter.com/rinmor/status/1493119727505494018

The Blue Train has been the pride of South Africa, attracting international (and local) visitors to enjoy its 1,600 km trip between Joburg and Cape Town, being treated to exquisite meals, top service and panoramic views of beautiful South Africa.

There is no official announcement on Transnet’s website yet. SAPeople has reached out to Transnet for a statement.

UPDATE: Transnet has issued a statement saying: “As a precautionary measure following the recent incidents involving the Blue Train, management has taken the decision to temporarily suspend operations while the train undergoes a thorough technical assessment. The aim is to have the technical assessment concluded as soon as possible, after which the train will be back in service.

“The safety of guests and crew on board the train remains a top priority, and will not be compromised. We apologise for the inconvenience caused to guests who had booked upcoming trips on the train. We look forward to offering you our world-class service again soon.”

An promo reel in January, before the fire:

Beautiful views of South Africa:

Tags: Blue Train Transnet