Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has launched a nationwide Request for Information (RFI) process, inviting the private sector to submit ideas and investment models to modernise the country’s passenger rail system.
Central to this initiative is the proposal to “test the water” for a 300km/h high-speed rail link between Johannesburg and Durban.
Earlier this month, The South African reported on a high-speed rail between Johannesburg and Durban being a step closer to reality.
This was after Mayor Cyril Xaba, who was speaking at the launch of eThekwini’s new Public Transport Information Centre, urged government departments and financial institutions to finally act on the ambitious plan.
Now, the Department of Transport (DOT) is officially on board.
Regional high-speed rail
Before breaking ground on a bullet train, however, the DOT plans to roll out a new generation of regional rapid trains.
These trains would travel up to 120km/h on existing rail infrastructure, connecting cities such as Johannesburg, Pretoria, Polokwane, Musina, Mbombela and Durban.
Over time, government hopes to build new 160–200km/h rail corridors, creating the foundation for a true high-speed rail network.
“These lines will shorten travel times, reduce travel costs, take pressure off our roads, and stimulate new development in towns along each route,” Creecy said on Sunday, stressing that South Africa’s fiscus cannot fund this alone.
“These regional projects are not possible without private sector partnership.”
Funding models under consideration include concessions or build-operate-transfer (BOT) arrangements, with the infrastructure eventually reverting to the state.
There is no cost estimate or timeline yet for the high-speed rail line, as feasibility studies are still underway.
Creecy pointed out that the Gautrain took three years from RFI to financial close, and seven years to build.
More than just rail: A transport system overhaul
In addition, the RFI aims to gather ideas from the private sector across four focus areas:
- Smart tap-and-go ticketing (a single ticket commuters can use across trains, buses and taxis)
- Modernising major PRASA depots in Braamfontein and Wolmerton to improve reliability
- Commercialising PRASA’s fibre-optic network for broadband and communication
- Leasing or repurposing existing trains and exploring local manufacturing
Rebuilding confidence in rail
Creecy said rail must become the backbone of South Africa’s transport network once again.
PRASA has restored 35 of 40 passenger corridors, carrying 77 million commuters in the last year, but aims to reach 600 million annual journeys by 2030.
“Partnering with private sector sets us on course to build a 21st Century transport system that transcends mobility challenges to strengthen industrial competitiveness, deepen regional integration and drive inclusive economic growth,” Creecy added.
