State-owned Transnet has completed investigations into incidents that led to the suspension of the Blue Train service in the latter part of the 2021/22 financial year, which paves the way for services to resume.
"Transnet has also conducted a full review of safety and operational procedures focusing on risks to the overall Blue Train service and is confident that all safety-critical issues have been attended to during the suspension of the service," it says in an August 29 release.
A test train has recently been concluded successfully to ensure the train is ready to resume services, Transnet adds.
In February, management decided to temporarily suspend Blue Train operations as a precautionary measure following three incidents, including a derailment on November 7, in which 19 empty coaches derailed at the Union Station Loop in Germiston; a derailment on January 16 at the Blue Train’s Maintenance Depot in Salvokop; and a fire on February 8, in which a coach that was among those derailed on November 7 caught fire while in for repairs.
"There were no passengers or crew on board the train during any of the three incidents and no fatalities were reported.
"Safety is of paramount importance for the staff and passengers on the Blue Train. Passengers will soon be able to enjoy the Blue Train’s award-winning service, and Transnet will release more information about the resumption of service soon," Transnet says.