Gautrain splashes out as doors bulge
The bidding process for the provision of 48 new Gautrain coaches has begun in a lucrative R3.5-billion deal aimed at satisfying the needs of the rail network's ever-increasing number of passengers. The Gautrain passenger numbers have increased by 26% year-on-year, which has forced the Bombela Concession Company to invite suppliers for the new stock and infrastructure to submit request for qualification documents.This bidding will culminate in the appointment of a company that will design, manufacture, supply and maintain 12 electric trains.The deal also includes the design and construction of depot infrastructure for the Gautrain system.Seven companies have been shortlisted, two of which are local.The RFQ process closes on March7 and the final four bidders will be known by May.The winner will be announced in December.Funding will not come from the coffers of the department of roads and transport. It has been secured "in principle" through a Development Bank of Southern Africa loan.The money will be channelled to the Gautrain Management Agency, which manages the train, to pay for the rolling stock.It is expected that the loan will be repaid through ticket sales.Among the bidders are Alstorm Southern Africa Holdings; Bombardier South Africa; CRS E-Loco Supply; DCD Rolling Stock; Mizana Engineering; Siemens; and Transnet Engineering.The Gautrain currently transports 1.4million passengers a month and is operating beyond its operational capacity.During peak hours the trains operate at 150% of capacity after just six years of operation.Gauteng transport MEC Ismail Vadi said the new rolling stock and infrastructure was expected to sustain 9000 jobs and provide a R450-million increase in revenue."The increase in the usage of the Gautrain shows that commuters are making a conscious shift from private car use to public transport, which is in line with our 25-year integrated transport master plan," the MEC said.Vadi announced that a dedicated service would soon be introduced between Centurion and Sandton, the line with the highest demand...
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