31 Mar 2016

The newly launched passenger train, BR Express, has experienced teething problems that are being monitored to ensure the smooth running of its service.

The Minister of Transport and Communications, Mr Tshenolo Mabeo, revealed this while briefing the media in Gaborone. 

He said after problems surfaced, notable defects on the two BR Express trains were rectified  and the trains were now fully operational.

Subsequent to its official launch in Lobatse on March 22, the BR Express experienced problems in the power carriage (which supplies electricity to the rest of the train) during its first trip between Lobatse and Francistown, Mr Mabeo said.

“The engine for the power plant shut down as neither the engine nor the standby engine would start.  The power car is the only power supply for air conditioners, toilets and lights.  This then resulted in all of these facilities shutting down,” he said.

Mr Mabeo said investigations had revealed that the diesel for the power car engines was contaminated with water, causing the engines to shut down. 

These challenges led to the departure and arrival of the train in the Francistown-Lobatse service being delayed.

“The train service was terminated in Gaborone on March 24, and the fuel was drained for the second time from the contaminated tanks however the problems persisted, leading to the cancelation of the north bound (Lobatse to Francistown) train on March 26 and BR hired coaches to transport the passengers to Francistown,” Mr Mabeo said.

Both train sets had developed problems with the air conditioning units, malfunctioning toilets and power tripping, Mr Mabeo added. 

He said that they were sent to South Africa last week Friday for maintenance and notable defects had been rectificed. 

“They are now in good running condition, having already resumed full service,” he said.

He added that BR would continuously monitor the performance of the trains, which were still at commissioning stage and there was no final acceptance certificate issued as yet. 

Mr Mabeo said close to 27 00 passengers had used the BR Express in its first week and thanked Batswana for supporting the train service. ENDS