Creecy calls on private sector to help modernise SA’s passenger rail system

Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy has called on the private sector to bring forward innovative ideas and investment solutions to help modernise South Africa's passenger rail system.

The call comes after government officially launched a series of requests for information to attract private sector participation in their latest drive to improve rail services.

ALSO READ:

• Transport Minister invites private sector to partner in SA's rail revitalisation
• Creecy to detail private sector plans for SA's rail and ports as investment interest soars

The initiative aims to gather innovative ideas and technical insights that will shape future investment opportunities in key areas such as fare collection systems, depot modernisation, fibre network commercialisation, and new regional rapid transit solutions.

Speaking at a briefing in Pretoria on Sunday, she outlined several key projects where the private sector was invited to contribute.

"The first, smart ticketing for seamless travel. We're moving towards a single tap-and-go ticket that you can use across trains, buses and even taxis. No more queues or paper tickets. The third area is to turn PRASA [Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa]'s fibre-optic network into an asset. Along our railway lines, PRASA is rolling out thousands of kilometres of fibre-optic cable as part of its new signalling system."

She said the department planned on introducing regional rapid trains to help shorten travel times, reduce travelling costs and lessen the pressure on the country's busy roads.

"We are planning a new generation of regional trains, faster, safer and more frequent, connecting cities like Tshwane, Johannesburg, Polokwane, Musina, Mbombela and eThekwini using our existing network of up to 120 kilometres per hour, building new 160 to 200 kilometres per hour regional lines and testing the water for a new 300 kilometre per hour high-speed railway between Johannesburg and eThekwini."