The Gauteng government has shortlisted three bidders to supply twelve new trains of four coaches each to the Gautrain rail link.
The rail system currently operates 96 coaches, with train configurations of either four or eight coaches, depending on time-of-day demand.
The Gautrain is operated by the Bombela Concession Company.
Gauteng Roads and Transport MEC Dr Ismail Vadi said on Thursday that plans were at “an advanced stage” to acquire 12 new trains for the Gautrain system.
“This is due to passenger demand that is exceeding realistic expectations, particularly during peak hours.
“The acquisition of 12 new trains over the next 36 months will help to alleviate congestion that Gautrain passengers experience in the morning and evening peaks.”
He said the Gauteng government in March received several proposals from potential train manufacturing companies.
“These were evaluated and I am pleased to announce the three successful pre-qualified bidders for the new rolling stock project, namely, Bombardier Transportation, CRRC E-Loco Supply and Egoli Rail Consortium.”
In addition to the acquisition of more trains, the project includes the development of new depot facilities and the upgrading of the existing Gautrain signalling system.
Gautrain Management Agency (GMA) CEO Jack van der Merwe said the request for proposals would be issued later in October.
“It is projected that the final milestone – financial close – is to take place towards the end of 2017.”
The GMA is an agency of the Gauteng government.
Vadi said the project was expected to have a significant and positive socioeconomic impact on the province, as the Gauteng government insisted on at least 65% local content by the successful bidder.
The project is expected to sustain 10 000 jobs in Gauteng. Total government revenue is to increase by an estimated R542-million, in nominal terms, between 2019 and 2023.
The Bidders
The Bombardier Transportation bid consists of Bombardier Transportation South Africa as the supplier, with the Strategic Partners Group (SPG) and Bombardier Transportation UK shareholders in the group to maintain the rolling stock.
Both Bombardier and SPG are shareholders in Bombela, the Gautrain operator.
Bombardier Transportation is the rail equipment division of the Canadian firm Bombardier. It supplied the current Gautrain Electrostar rolling stock fleet.
Neither of the other two bidders split the rolling stock supply and maintenance portions.
The CRRC E-Loco Supply bid includes CSR Zelc (SA) and the Matsete Basadi group as shareholders.
The two companies have partnered previously to deliver electric locomotives to South African State rail freight group Transnet.
CRRC E-Loco Supply is the South African subsidiary of China’s CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive.
The Egoli Rail Consortium consists of Alstom Southern Africa, EOH Intelligent Infrastructure and Ubumbano OpCo.
The Gibela consortium, which is supplying Metrorail with 600 new commuter trains from a factory under construction on the East Rand, is 61% held by Alstom Southern Africa and 30% by Ubumbano Rail.