coaches
18 February 2009
Eleven exhibitors have confirmed their attendance at the launch of the new
state-of-the-art Kei Rail Coaches to be held tomorrow, Thursday, 19 February
2009, at AmaBhele Train Station near Stutterheim at 9 am.
They include eight crafters from the Amahlathi Municipality, Amathole
Museum, three exhibition stands from the Eastern Cape Department of Roads and
Transport focusing on Kei Rail, Supply Chain Management (to encourager small,
medium and micro enterprise [SMME] participation in the project), and Human
Resource Development Programme.
MEC for Roads and Transport, Gloria Barry, will officially launch these new
coaches worth R21 million, which will be used in the Kei Rail daily passenger
service, which is expected to commence on 1 March 2009 - exactly the same date
on which the current weekend passenger service between East London and Mthatha
was launched.
The new coaches have the following features:
Power Car: Housed in a six-metre container, the new Kei Rail Power Car
generator produces enough electricity to run the train for a full 90 hours,
using 3600 litres of fuel. The specially designed louvres were constructed with
acoustic suppression in mind, ensuring that the noise made by the powerful
generators do not disturb the journey of the passengers.
Luggage Car: To ensure the comfort of passengers, Kei Rail has added a coach to
house luggage which may not fit in the luggage racks in the coaches. Passengers
will now be able to transport even large items of luggage securely and
comfortably.
Four-Sleeper Coaches: The Four-Sleeper Coaches sleep 24 people in seven
compartments. Like all the new Kei Rail coaches, the Four-Sleepers boast
air-conditioning, toilets, hot-water showers and a water-purification
system.
Six-Sleeper Coaches: The Kei Rail Six-Sleeper Coaches can transport 36 people
in seven compartments. The Six-Sleepers also provide air-conditioning, toilets,
hot-water showers and a water-purification system for travellers.
Economy-Class Coaches: The economy-class coaches are able to accommodate 64
seated passengers in comfort with air conditioning and filtered water. These
coaches also have reinforced luggage racks to keep luggage securely out of the
way of passengers.
Business-Class Coaches: The new Kei Rail Business-Class Coaches seat 48
passengers in air-conditioned comfort, with ample room to spare. These coaches
feature reclining seats in addition to the four bathrooms, luggage racks and
water-purification systems.
Catering Car: The brand-new Kei Rail Catering Car features two serving areas
and a fully-equipped kitchen. Fully-qualified staff will serve healthy meals
and packaged food to Kei Rail passengers, ensuring their comfort and
satisfaction.
MEC Barry is further expected to outline the progress made by the Department
of Roads and Transport since the start of the Kei Rail operations, future of
Kei Rail and other rail operations in the Eastern Cape as enshrined in the
newly-developed 10 Year Rail Plan, and plans for the transformation of the rail
sector through skills development with a particular focus on the previously
marginalized communities.
Enquiries:
Ncedo Kumbaca
Cell: 082 44 22 388
Issued by: Department of Roads and Transport, Eastern Cape Provincial
Government
18 February 2009
M<EOD<>
