Plans to set up a commuter rail service between Bloemfontein and Thaba'Nchu in the Free State were welcomed by the Congress of SA Trade Unions (Cosatu) on Friday.

Cosatu Free State provincial secretary Sam Mashinini said the organisation fully supported the government's plan to implement the commuter rail service.

"It is a known fact that between Bloemfontein, Botshabelo and Thaba'Nchu every morning there are hundreds and hundreds of workers who are asking for lifts from motorists."

Mashinini said workers asked for lifts to and from work as they could not afford the bus and taxi fares.

"We believe the immediate opening of the commuter rail between these areas would go a long way in addressing the problem experienced by the workers and the poor," Mashinini said in a statement.

Cosatu called for the reopening of all old railway lines that were no longer in use in the province.

"We call on the government to immediately implement the plan without any delay as outlined in the state of the province address," Mashinini said.

Sapa

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