Government seeks private sector partners to drive South Africa’s rail transformation

Government is inviting private sector investment to revitalise South Africa’s passenger rail network, including the development of rapid transport links between major cities aimed at making rail the country’s leading mode of transport.

A series of Requests for Information (RFIs) has been issued to attract ideas and funding for modernising and expanding the rail system.

The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) has already begun installing thousands of kilometres of fibre optic cable to support a new digital signalling system, a key step in upgrading rail infrastructure.

As part of this modernisation drive, plans are also underway to introduce a single tap-and-go ticketing system that will allow commuters to seamlessly travel across trains, buses and taxis.

Speaking to Stephen Grootes on The Money Show, Jan Havenga, logistics professor at Stellenbosch University says this is a significant step in government's plan to improve transport.

"It's more people, getting them to work. It's mobilising our workforce. That is the most important thing we need to do, and that's the thing we need to focus on," said Havenga.

"No.1 priority is to sort out our metro system...that's the important thing we need to fix," added Havenga.

Listen to the interview in the audio player below.