The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport; the Gautrain Management Agency, and I are extremely pleased to be a part of this event today. We believe this will further strengthen relations between us and the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) and foster closer working relationships in developing an integrated public transport system in Gauteng. There can be little doubt that in our province in future, commuter rail will be the backbone of public transport.
PRASA’s aim is to enable Metrorail to become the number one public transport operator of choice in high-volume corridors in this province. We share in that dream.
Today, we have received information on the planned improvements of Metrorail in Gauteng. These augur well for the future. Essentially, they entail three key programmes, namely, the modernisation of its signalling and telecommunications systems; the acquisition of new rolling stock, and the renovation of train stations along PRASA’s modernisation corridor. These plans are consistent with the 25-Year Integrated Transport Master Plan (ITMP25) for Gauteng and will contribute to the further development of an integrated transport system in our province.
What is evident is that concrete steps are being taken to overcome the historic neglect of commuter rail in the economic heartland of our country. That fortunately is gradually coming to an end. It is now accepted by key role-players that both the current administration and the future government are committed to adequate funding for the modernisation and recapitalisation of the commuter rail system, particularly in Gauteng.
PRASA has announced Siemens South Africa is its preferred bidder for the implementation of the new signalling system on its commuter rail network. Phase 1 of this project started in January 2011 at a cost of over R1 billion, which is planned to be completed in 2016. This will replace the outdated copper cable signalling system that is prone to theft and the disruption of rail services.
A key aspect of this project entails the construction at a cost of R175 million of a Centralised Control Centre for Gauteng. The construction of a state-of-the-art Control Centre is due to commence next month and is scheduled to be fully operational by March 2015. The new Control Centre will centralise 43 signal cabins into one building, resulting in greater efficiency and effectiveness in operational control over trains.
The new system will replace the old practice of mechanical interlocking or the manual changing of signals by pulling of leavers. Through this railway signalling replacement initiative, train signal changes will be fully automated, resulting in enhanced operational capacity; improved safety for passengers, and greater reliability and punctuality of trains.
Also, the modern signalling system will lay the foundation for the introduction of new, modern rolling stock in our environment. PRASA is in the process of procuring 3 000 new and modern coaches to replace the old and outdated trains that our people have had to endure for several decades in this province. We hope to see the first new trains running on the tracks in 2015.
PRASA’s corridor modernisation programme has been designed to give effect to its strategy of modernisation through focussed and targeted investments into priority rail commuting corridors. In Gauteng, the key corridor is identified as the Mabopane–Pretoria–Germiston–Johannesburg– Soweto corridor, including the Tembisa loop and the circular access network around the Johannesburg CBD.
A clear vision has been articulated for the achievement of a fully integrated and modernised rail solution, to serve as the backbone of the public transport system in the respective metropolitan areas by 2015/16. These upgraded and modernised corridors will be capable of moving in excess of 50 000 passengers per direction in the peak and reach up to 120km per hour on open track sections.
The modernisation programme for the three priority corridors include the modernisation of 73 stations in Gauteng; closed security systems with corridor protection; CCTV cameras and reaction units, as well as a full upgrade of the track geometry and capacity to achieve higher running speeds of up to 120km per hour. Various other improvements such as speed-gate installations and better lighting and signage are also part of the plans to change the look-and-feel of train stations.
The following stations have been earmarked for improvement in the short term:
1. Limindlela Station
2. Krugersdorp station
3. Germiston station
4. Vereeniging station
5. Kopanong
6. Belle Ombré
7. Pretoria station
8. Leralla
9. Olifantsfontein and
10. Oakmoor.
These corridors have been prioritised in terms of the current and future demand in line with the agreed role of rail as reflected in the respective regional and transport plans of relevant planning authorities.
There is a clearer vision of a fully integrated and modernised rail solution to serve as the backbone of the public transport system in the respective metropolitan areas in our province over the next few years. The critical priorities for PRASA include the modernisation of the existing passenger railway system and the introduction as well as the implementation of new passenger rail technology, particularly in Gauteng. The modernisation of the signalling and telecommunication systems, rolling stock and train operating systems will lay the foundation for a modern, efficient and sustainable rail transport system in Gauteng.
Given the key role that the passenger rail system plays and will play in future in providing mobility across the Gauteng City Region, the respect for it needs to be supported by all the residents of Gauteng. The damage to rail property and the burning of coaches must come to an end. Let us stand and work together towards an effective, efficient and sustainable passenger rail system that works for all.
Finally, we look forward to PRASA’s active participation in the Gauteng Transport Commission, particularly in planning, coordinating and developing rail transport in our province. We are confident that our relationship with PRASA will endure and grow over time and that our people will soon see the benefits of a fully integrated public transport system in Gauteng.
For more information contact the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport’s Head of Communication
Ms Octavia Mamabolo
Tel: 011 355 7300
Cell: 082 316 8666
