PRASA welcomes Test Train No. 1

The train is the very first train built out of a planned 600 trains (3,600 vehicles) which will be configured as six cars per train set able to transport 1,346 passengers. As part of the implementation programme, the first 20 train sets will be built in Brazil, while the remainder will be built at a new facility to be established in South Africa forming part of a manufacturing hub in Ekurhuleni in line with government's industrialisation plan.

Modernizing rail infrastructure

The delivery of T1 comes 18 months after PRASA and Gibela reached Financial Close. This is part of PRASA's broad modernization programme which also includes investment in key infrastructure programmes such as signalling, depots, Perway and station modernisation.

In the 2013/14 financial year, PRASA started with the execution of of its R172-billion investment in the acquisition of modern state-of-the-art passenger trains and the support infrastructure over a period of 10 years. This investment will replace the current Metrorail rolling stock and meet future rail demands.

"This government is committed to the transformation of passenger rail infrastructure and in ensuring that rail becomes the backbone of public transport and a mode of choice for the multitudes of our people who depend on affordable, reliable and safe public transportation. This train is the realisation of government's investment on the rolling stock fleet renewal programme. Our government is serious about implementing infrastructure and rail transport programmes as spelled out in the National Development Plan (NDP). Transport is one of the key pillars of the NDP", said National Minister of Transport Dipuo Peters.

Chairman of the PRASA Board, Dr Popo Molefe said: "The arrival of the first test train signals the start of our journey to modernise passenger rail infrastructure and services. We are in the process of building modem rolling stock that will form the backbone of a world class metro service that is safe, reliable, and affordable. This investment by the government demonstrates its commitment towards developing a high quality transport system. PRASA is serious about delivering on its mandate. We aware of the enormous responsibility entrusted upon us and we intend to meet and exceed our customer and stakeholder expectations."

Testing process

T1 has been specifically built as a test train where all key testing will be done. This means that it will not have any of the normal commuter train fittings such as chairs but will have all its electronic panels exposed, basic structural fittings will be marked for ease of reference during testing and all the data gathered from the tests will be used to validate the train safety, design and performance parameters . The tests will start early in 2016 where the T1 will undergo an intensive seven-month testing programme at the Wolmerton Depot.

A second test train has been planned for delivery within the first quarter of 2016. Each of the two test trains will arrive with various updated fittings in line with the various stages of testing by PRASA and Gibela Engineers. These tests will facilitate accurate manufacturing of remaining fleet manufactured in Brazil and create a tried and tested methodology for the rest of the trains to be manufactured in South Africa.

"Gibela is quite pleased with the delivery of T1 which was a collaborative effort between ourselves and PRASA. A lot of painstakingly detailed work has gone into the transportation of the T1 from our Brazil manufacturing plant and the successful delivery of the train in South Africa. The final journey to PRASA's Wolmerton Depot will mark the start of a series of tests on the T1, transferring skills and the training of new train drivers as we continue to manufacture the new Metrorail trains" said Marc Granger CEO of Gibela.

Manufacturing

The delivery of the T1 is part of PRASA's overall fleet renewal programme which will see the manufacturing of the first 20 modern trains in Brazil; the establishment of the South African factory to manufacture the rest of the trains locally and the promotion of local skills and industry development. The local manufacturing plant will achieve an average of 67% local content over the delivery period and will increase to 75% local content by year 10 and have approximately an 80% local employee base by year five of its establishment.

"PRASA is transforming 150 years of passenger rail travel during the next two decades. Passenger rail travel will now be supported by passenger safety, in-transit climate control, automatic train protection as well as upgraded infrastructure that supports all passengers regardless of mobility," added PRASA's acting GCEO Nathi Khena.