Global mobility technology leader Bombardier Transportation has announced that its Gautrain commuter fleet in South Africa has successfully completed forty million kilometres in service since operations began in 2010.
According to globenewswire.com, This is the equivalent of close to one million trips around the equator. Bombardier delivered this intercity rapid rail link as a complete turnkey system with a fleet of 24 four-car ELECTROSTAR trains (96 vehicles), the majority of which were assembled in South Africa, and the CITYFLO 250 train control system that provides smooth and safe travel for passengers at speeds of up to 160 km per hour.
“This is one of the most visionary projects that we have ever been involved in Africa and Gautrain set a new global benchmark for an innovative rail system that benefits local communities and people,” said Makgola Makololo, Managing Director South Africa at Bombardier Transportation. “As Africa’s first world-class, modern rapid rail service, as well as being the first semi-high-speed train on the continent, the Gautrain has made a positive impact in the lives of millions of Gauteng residents.
We are proud of our highly reliable commuter fleet having completed around 900,000 trips on the Gautrain network, the equivalent of close to one million trips around the equator.”
She added, “This achievement is thanks to the close collaboration between Bombardier, Gautrain Management Agency, Bombela Concession Company and Bombela Operating Company in successfully delivering and maintaining this project and creating thousands of direct and indirect local jobs during this exciting journey. Rail transport in Gauteng entered a new era with the Gautrain Rapid Rail Link and we are proud to provide a safe, efficient and reliable service to more than 125 million commuters and airport travellers since 2010.”
The Gautrain Rapid Rail Link is an 80 km (50-mile) commuter rail system in Gauteng, South Africa, which links Johannesburg, Pretoria, Ekurhuleni and the OR Tambo International Airport.
About Bombardier Transportation in South Africa
Bombardier Transportation in South Africa operates a locomotive assembly site in Durban and a propulsion system manufacturing facility in Johannesburg with around 300 employees delivering locally manufactured BOMBARDIER TRAXX AFRICA locomotives for Transnet Freight Rail. Bombardier has maintenance depots across South Africa supporting various rail operators and it has been a significant contributor to job creation and economic growth in South Africa since 1985.
