What’s next for the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe?

[John Ashworth]

See attached

[Steve Appleton]

Six years and still no outcome. Unbelievable! 115 000 pax x R150 x 6 years = R103.5 million in lost fare revenue alone. Add to that the money they would have been spent incidental to the train, e.g. lunches, dinners, drinks, accommodation, museum purchases, etc. A very sizeable loss to the tourism industry there.

Transnet spokesperson quoted: 'Transnet is exploring various options regarding the line’s future. "This may include engaging with potential investors from the private sector and other parties. We’ll make an announcement on the outcome of this exercise after all consultation and governance processes have been concluded." '

"May include" indeed. Corporate speak for "we are doing as little as possible". How much longer is needed? I thought that options had already been examined. Even if not, that exercise should have been conducted and easily concluded in the intervening 6 years.

Alan Winde apart, There clearly is no will or desire to get this going anytime soon, that much is obvious. Not even politicians can shift the behemoth that is Transnet.