Test Train 1 (TT1) has completed tests required for approval to commence its first Open Line Testing (OLT) from Monday, 25 April 2016. The testing schedule is anticipated to be completed by end of September in anticipation for commercial operation planned for October 2016. 
 
The testing will take place between Wolmerton and De-Wildt sections and will focus on train speed testing of up to 132 km per hour.  Further tests will also include the section between Irene and Olifantsfontein and will gradually cover Pienaarsspoort to Pretoria lines as well as from Pretoria to Mabopane.  It is expected that testing will have limited interference with normal Metrorail services. 

In 2014, PRASA and the Gibela Consortium reached a Financial Close for the manufacturing of 600 new trains at a cost amounting to R59 billion (inclusive of VAT).  The contract allows for the manufacturing of 580 trains in South Africa, with only 20 trains to be manufactured in Brazil in line with the  65% Localisation Policy.  PRASA has already started with the construction of its 72 hectares of local manufacturing plant worth R 1 billion at Donnator Park at Ekurhuleni.  The plant will also consist of the Supplier Park which will house direct suppliers to Gibela and will include Black Industrialists as part of the SMMEs supplying various rail components. 

Overall, Gibela is contracted to achieve an average of 65% Local Content which will increase to approximately 80% by year 10.  A total of R 800 million has been set aside for skills development with 1 500 people set to be permanently employed at the plant by Gibela for manufacturing purposes.  Approximately 19 500 people will receive rail-related training at the on-site training centre targeting technicians, artisans, technologists, engineers etc. Approximately 36 current train drivers are being trained to support the first deployment of the new trains for  commercial operation in October 2016.  To date, six out of 15 test drivers have been trained and certified, these six test drivers are currently being during the testing and commissioning phase. PRASA will also gradually introduce new operating corridors in Pretoria where the new trains will run and change its current operations in favour of a system that accommodates the running of the current and new trains.  

With years of under investment into passenger rail infrastructure, PRASA had to focus on isolating a test and deployment area for the new trains that would not require intensive rehabilitation before the new trains could be deployed, “PRASA focused on a solution based approach in deciding on the test and deployment corridors.  Ultimately, the Pienaarsspoort to Pretoria line was deemed the most appropriate corridor to deploy the first trains, said Acting PRASA Group CEO Mr Nathi Khena.

Driven by the National Development Plan and the Nine Point Plan imperatives on localisation, skills development, the unlocking of job opportunities, PRASA is now in a position to measure its successes against expected delivery by State Owned Entities.   “PRASA takes the Open Line Testing very seriously as it represents the next evolutionary step within passenger rail services. We have demonstrated proper alignment between government imperatives to use State Owned Entities as vehicles to translate policy into real job opportunities, localisation and the emergence of Black Industrialists within passenger rail manufacturing” Said Dr Popo Molefe, Chairman of the PRASA Board.