ACCEPTANCE OF FIRST TRAINS JACK VAN DER MERWE

Posted on Jul 8, 2008 in Speeches & Statements

8 JULY 2008

Premier Shilowa
Members of the Executive Council – MECs Mashatile, Jacobs and Mahlangu
Our hosts, Mr Andre Navarri, Ray Betler and Dave Barry from Bombardier
Members of the Gautrain Management Agency and Provincial Support Team
CEO of Bombela, Mr Jerome Govender and Bombela representatives
Ladies and gentlemen from the media
Bombardier staff
Distinguished guests
All protocol reserved

In 2000 we said that South Africa will not be the test bed for new technology. Today you will see that we kept that promise.

What you will see here is well-tested and tried technology. Brand new rolling stock that has been customised for Gautrain. Not the refurbishment of existing rolling stock, but 96 brand new rail cars made from energy efficient lightweight aluminium – a first for South Africa. It will also be unlike anything you have seen on any track in South Africa.

It is also the first time in many years that new rolling stock is acquired for South Africa. Certainly proof that our government is serious about public transport.

Having partnered with Bombela, who has brought on board, a world leader in rolling stock manufacturing, Bombardier – Gautrain’s Electrostar rail cars bring unprecedented technology and reliable performance to commuters in Gauteng who are already eagerly anticipating their first trip. We have daily enquiries about where they can buy tickets!

Just as equally anticipated is the arrival of the bulk of our fleet that will be assembled in South Africa when 81 rail cars are shipped to Union Carriage and Wagon. Not only will skills be transferred to our local people but more jobs will be created in our commitment to the socio-economic development of the Gauteng Province. The local recruitment and training of drivers will also take place as Electrostar driver compartments and control systems are more advanced than other trains presently running in South Africa.

Supported by a dedicated fleet of 125 buses, our golden train will be able to carry more than 100 000 passengers per day in each direction between the economically vibrant cities of Johannesburg and Tshwane and to OR Tambo International Airport. And, I must add, we are seriously considering enlarging the order.

As you have heard in the audio-visual earlier, Gautrain is not only about a train. It is indeed the story of how far we have come and also captures our desire to even move faster. It’s about a new energy that has come to life – a golden thread that connects Africa to the world, bringing jobs to people and people to jobs. We’ve come a long way and still we’re on the move… faster than ever!

All that remains for me to do is to thank the Premier and my political principals and colleagues on the Political Committee. Premier Shilowa, without your visionary leadership, today would not have been possible. Paul, Nash, Dorothy, Mogopodi, Nomfundo and Tefo thank you for your commitment, sound advise and well though through decisions.

Today is a sad day for Derby because it will be a long time before you will be building a sexy train such as the one we will reveal in a few minutes. It is a proud day for Gauteng.