Private sector invited to help modernise South Africa’s rail network

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The government has released a series of Requests for Information (RFI) for ideas and investment from the private sector to modernise and grow South Africa’s rail system.

The move is set to ensure that the country’s rail passenger trips target of 600 million by 2030 is achieved.

“Participation in the RFI process will assist the organisation to gather information, innovative ideas, and solutions which will guide future Requests for Proposals for private sector investment in the passenger rail sector,” Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy said on Sunday in Pretoria.

The request covers a range of different areas, including fare collection systems; depot management; utilisation and the commercialisation of the Passenger Rail Agency of South African (PRASA) fibre network to enhance digital connectivity.

WATCH | Minister Barbara Creecy and Deputy Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa brief media on private sector participation in passenger rail.#GovZAUpdates https://t.co/gF7rXgiwxH

— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) October 26, 2025

It also includes operational resilience within the rail sector and beyond, as well as insights and innovative ideas for a new era of long distance regional rapid transit.

By the end of May 2025, PRASA had successfully commissioned 35 out of 40 passenger corridors and had achieved an annual audited figure of 77 million passenger journeys.

“To continue on the recovery path, PRASA requires additional investment that cannot be carried by the fiscus alone. These RFIs are not tenders — they are an invitation for the market to help us design the future of rail.

“Together, we can rebuild confidence in public transport, open up investment opportunities, and connect South Africans to the growth we all deserve,” the Minister said during a media briefing.

Private sector’s role

As part of efforts to modernise the passenger rail system, South Africa is moving towards a single, tap-and-go ticket that you can use across trains, buses, and even taxis.

“No more queues or paper tickets — just one account-based system that makes travel easier and helps us manage revenue transparently and efficiently. The private sector has an important role to play to make this a reality.

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“We’re partnering with the private sector to modernise our major maintenance depots at Braamfontein and Wolmerton.

“This will mean faster train repairs, better reliability, and new investment in nearby areas — creating jobs and boosting local development. It is for this reason that the private sector participation is of paramount given the magnitude of this project,” Creecy said.

Article sourced: SAgovNews