Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM) has opened the first phase of its Station Leasing Programme, inviting private companies to bid to lease, invest in, develop, operate and maintain three Western Region rail station properties.
The request for proposals covers Dal Josafat, Huguenot and Bitterfontein stations and includes station land, warehouses, retail buildings, goods sheds and office facilities. Successful bidders will have to take on the sites for at least 10 years.
The first phase of the programme was intended to bring private-sector investment into rail property assets that could be refurbished, upgraded, maintained and commercially operated, the company said. It includes the leasing and commercialisation of bundled station assets and forms part of TRIM’s rail reform mandate to improve asset use, support open access to the national rail network and improve infrastructure sustainability.
Successful bidders will be required to carry out refurbishments, upgrades, maintenance and operational improvements within the station precincts.
“This programme demonstrates TRIM’s continued commitment to transparent, market-based access to strategic rail assets,” said TRIM chief executive Moshe Motlohi.
“Through private-sector participation, we aim to strengthen partnerships, improve our service delivery and unlock long-term economic value across the South African rail network.”
The bid submission deadline is June 23. RFP documents are available on the eTenders portal.
