12 new trains and extended routes for Gautrain
FOURWAYS – MEC for Transport gives the country good news about public transport.
Roads and Transport MEC, Ismael Vadi recently stated that 12 new trains and extended routes will be added to the Gautrain Management Agency.
Vadi explained that the Gautrain has successfully transported 80 million people and is, therefore, successful in improving public transport.
Little Falls, Fourways, Sunninghill, Olivenhoutbosch, Irene, Tshwane East and Hazeldean are areas that will benefit from the new trains and extended routes. Vadi also added that the project has a 10- to 15-year development plan.
“The acquisition of 12 new trains over the next 24 months will help to alleviate congestion that Gautrain passengers experience in the mornings and evenings,” said Vadi.
“Several proposals were received in March this year from potential train manufacturing companies which were evaluated, and I am pleased to announce the three successful pre-qualified bidders for the new rolling stock project, namely, Bombardier Transportation, CRRC E-Loco Supply and Egoli Rail Consortium.”
Although to acquire more trains, more depot facilities will have to be developed and the Gautrain signalling system will have to be upgraded. “It is projected that the final milestone, the financial close, is to take place towards the end of 2017,” said Jack van der Merwe chief executive officer of the Gautrain Management Agency.
“The project is expected to sustain 10 000 jobs in Gauteng and total government revenue is to increase by an estimated R542 million in nominal terms between 2019 and 2023. Furthermore, an estimated R206 million is expected to be received by lower income households,” explained Vadi.
