Transnet on track to produce commuter trains suited for SA
STATE-run freight and logistics group Transnet says it will launch research and development for a commuter train similar to what the Passenger Rail Agency of SA (Prasa) "is looking for".This means Transnet might be able to bid for Prasa’s future passenger train purchases.However, in the past, Prasa overlooked Transnet technology when it bought 88 locomotives for R3.5bn for its long-distance Shosholoza Meyl service.Last year, media reports alleged that Transnet engineers had leaked information about the locomotives being too tall for SA’s rail lines. However, then Prasa CEO Lucky Montana denied there was bad blood between the two entities.Prasa has also bought 600 trains for R51bn from Gibela Rail Transport Consortium, which is 61%-owned by French power and transport group Alstom.The trains are for the first half of Prasa’s 20-year modernisation programme, valued at R172bn, to upgrade the urban Metrorail fleet and infrastructure. Prasa intends to buy another 600 trains for the second...
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