Canadian transport equipment manufacturer, Bombardier Transport plans to expand their presence in South Africa after they were involved in the Gautrain project.

Bombardier was responsible for the Electrostar project operating the Gautrain network.

Even though they lost the tender to supply Transnet with 95 locomotives, Bombardier’s Laurent Troger says the company will partner with Transnet and the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) in the design and manufacture of trains, locomotives and signalling systems that will deliver high levels of safety, reliability, availability, energy efficiency and passenger comfort.

Troger emphasized the need to develop a complete supply chain for public transportation.

“The key challenge for South Africa is to develop a complete supply chain for public transportation. If this supply chain is competitive, there are huge opportunities in Africa where the level of population is going to grow and the requirements for public transportation are there,” Troger said.

He added that SA, being the first to address this through the Gautrain, will have the opportunity to position itself and face competition it is currently experiencing in the form of the Chinese entering this market in other countries on the continent.

SA will also be in a position to share its experiences in this regard with its neighbours, Troger said.