Mozambique: CFM threatens to ban Metrobus trains – report

Login

Register

http://www.clubofmozambique.com/

Mozambique: CFM threatens to ban Metrobus trains – report

9:28 CAT | 14 Nov 2018

File photo

The Mozambique Railways (CFM) company is threatening to bar Metrobus trains from its network for alleged non-payment of railroad usage charges [access fees] and non-compliance with the rules of the railway safety management system.

Meanwhile, the management of Metrobus, a private integrated passenger transport initiative that combines trains and buses, says that it does not have debts with any service provider, including CFM.

As for the rate issue, Amade Camal, chairman of the Metrobus Board of Directors, says there is an agreement with the CFM to use the lines while the two parties negotiate the tariff to be paid, so there is no reason to talk about debt.

A statement issued by the CFM on Friday notes that last year it signed a contract with Metrobus to reinforce passenger transport in the cities of Maputo and Matola as a pilot experience, with concomitant obligations between the parties.

“With one year passed, we find that Metrobus has enormous difficulties in complying with the agreement, namely the question of payment for the use of the line, as well as, above all, compliance with railway safety management system standards and other contractual obligations,” the note reads.

But, speaking to Notícias, Metrobus’s Camal explained that the only money owing to the state-owned railways company was for fuel, and that was paid on Friday, the day after notification of the amount owing.

He added that he did not understand how it was possible to talk about any rail usage debt, because how much Metrobus should pay for the use of the CFM lines had not yet been finalised.

Concerning safety, he said that there was indeed a need to install monitoring devices for the location of the trains, but that the matter was still being negotiated with the CFM.

He added that there was no reason for the matter to be seen as a problem, and that the two parties had in fact held regular meetings, with another one scheduled for yesterday.

Source: AIM