The Gautrain Management Agency (GMA) has indicated that the procurement process for appointing a new high-speed express commuter rail operator is in its last stages.

The GMA is on the verge of concluding the process, which will see the preferred bidder announced soon.

GMA spokesperson Albi Modise said this process had to undergo a strict regulatory and governance review, both at the national and provincial government levels. “This phase of the process constitutes a critical compliance step in advancing toward final approval,” he said.

Modise added that to ensure fairness and integrity, the bid validity period was extended, which afforded bidders additional time to prepare their submissions while enabling the GMA to complete all necessary governance and regulatory processes.

“Given the scale and complexity of this transaction, a thorough and transparent process is essential,” he added.

In addition, the GMA has implemented measures to ensure a seamless transition between the current and successor concessionaire post March 2026, and its efforts are aimed at maintaining operational continuity and supporting the long-term success of the Gautrain.

The Gautrain is described as the first and only rapid rail network, and the first public-private partnership of its scale in South Africa, valued at R45 billion, and once the current concession expires at the end of its term in March 2026, the costs of establishing the long-term asset will have been paid off, allowing the post-2026 Gautrain project to reap the economic benefit, according to the GMA.

“The post-2026 Gautrain project will further unlock economic potential and opportunities. It will also present an opportunity to build on a highly functional, world-class system and to rethink the Gautrain business model, ensuring that the system not only responds to the current challenges, but further cements operational and financial sustainability in the long term,” the agency explained.

Modise said the Gauteng executive council approved the procurement of a new delivery partner for the Gautrain system. “This meant that the GMA was given the nod to go to market and advertise the RFP (request for proposals) for a new delivery partner for the Gautrain system post-2026.

“The GMA will ensure a smooth, timely, and well-managed transition from the existing delivery partner to the successor concessionaire, with no disruption to services,” he promised.

The Gautrain has an unbroken record of 13 consecutive clean audits and the agency continues to demonstrate its unwavering commitment to the highest standards of governance and service delivery, while fostering public confidence in the management of the Gautrain as a strategic asset.

loyiso.sidimba@inl.co.za

Source link