Gautrain is on a roll

27 Jan 2016

The bidding process for the provision of 48 new Gautrain coaches has begun in a lucrative R3.5-billion deal aimed at meeting the ever increasing number of passengers of the train.

Nithin bolar k via Wikimedia Commons

Gautrain passenger numbers have been increasing by 26% year-on-year, forcing Bombela Concession Company to invite suppliers for the new stock to submit compliant requests for qualification (RFQ) documents.

This bidding process is for the appointment of a company to design, manufacture, supply and maintain 12 electrical trains. The deal also includes the design and construction of a depot infrastructure for the Gautrain system. Seven companies have been shortlisted, two of which are local.

By May, the final four bidders should have been shortlisted, with the process completed before December.

As the deal takes place in tough economic conditions, funding will not come from the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport, but has been secured, "in principle", through a loan from the Development Bank of Southern Africa.

The Gautrain currently transports 1.4 million passengers a month and is operating way beyond its capacity. During peak hours, the trains are full and operate at 150% capacity.

"The increase in the usage of the Gautrain shows that commuters are making a conscious shift from private car use to public transport, in line with the vision set out in our 25-Year Integrated Transport Master Plan," said Gauteng MEC of transport Ismail Vadi said.

Source: The Times

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