Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele wishes to announce that the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) will be embarking on a Market Engagement process aimed at potential train manufacturers in South Africa.
This follows Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan’s budget speech, where Minister Gordhan stated, ‘Funds are also stepped up for the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa, for replacing signalling infrastructure and refurbishing rail coaches.’
Minister Ndebele said: “As part of South Africa’s Public Transport Strategy (PTS), we are moving towards a high quality Integrated Mass Rapid Public Transport Network which includes rail, taxi and bus services. The PTS aims to accelerate the improvements in public transport by establishing Integrated Rapid Public Transport Networks (IRPTNs), which will introduce priority rail corridors and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems.
“The modernisation and upgrade of our rail infrastructure is therefore an urgent matter that cannot be delayed any longer. We are engaging in a comprehensive rail upgrade that looks at placing rail at the centre of our freight and commuter movement.
It is rail, not private motor vehicles that is the future of our public transport system. Over the past five years, government has invested over R40 billion in passenger rail infrastructure and services in South Africa, including the Gautrain.
The challenge we are facing is that most of our rail system has reached the end of its lifespan. Continuing with a rehabilitation programme alone has become counter-productive. We believe introducing new rail rolling stock and technology in our system is an absolute necessity and will protect our historical investment in the sector.
“There is a need for re-investment in both the existing network and new routes in order to respond to new post-apartheid spatial and economic dynamics. Through various processes, rail projects of strategic importance have been identified.
We need focused intervention on some of our key passenger and freight corridors. Most of these corridors offer us not only the opportunity to drive a focused rail revitalisation programme, but helps achieve a coordinated implementation which includes our road network, ports and the development of specific urban and rural modes along the corridors.
“The Market Engagement is the next step in the progress made by government within the public transport sector, in particular, passenger rail. This includes work done by Cabinet to consolidate passenger rail, and the amendment of the Legal Succession to the South Africa Transport Services (SATS) Act of 1989 by Parliament and its signing into law in November 2008 which enabled the creation of PRASA to spearhead all matters relating to passenger rail. The next step is for government, through PRASA and other public transport entities, to work together to deliver jobs and quality public transport services for all South Africans,” Minister Ndebele said.
The Market Engagement process will be used by PRASA, in partnership with the National Departments of Transport, Trade and Industry and National Treasury, not as an expression for proposals or tender process, but to conduct Market Feasibility Studies for the future Rolling Stock Fleet Renewal Programme with both Rolling Stock Manufacturers and Financiers of Rolling Stock. The engagement will also gauge the market’s ability to supply adequate quantities of rolling stock to specifications suitable to local requirements while measuring the potential appeal to financiers and their ability to provide long-term finance to the Rolling Stock Fleet Renewal Programme.
PRASA, as the project leader, will hold a one-day Market Engagement Process on 5 April 2011 at Gallagher Estate in Midrand with the aim of having the following market information:
- The market possibility for production capacity of at least 300 passenger coaches per year.
- The market possibility for maintenance or significant/whole life support for manufactured coaches;
- Company ability to demonstrate international production lines with a presence in at least three countries.
- Prior South African train building and maintenance provision experience or willingness to transfer technology to South Africa/local production facility.
Enquiries:
Logan Maistry
Cell: 083 6444 050
