On Friday, March 4, the Minister of Transport and Public Works for the Western Cape, Donald Grant called in at Sedgefield to collect a petition from the Friends of the Choo-Tjoe of whom there are now thousands.
Over the last couple of years, the Friends have been canvassing public opinion by asking the simple question; “'Do you want to see the Choo-Tjoe running again?”
So popular was the Choo-Tjoe that The Friends have now collected over 18 000 signatures from local people, visitors from South Africa and international visitors.
“It was an interesting exercise to see how people of all races and ages responded. When the line was washed away 10 years ago, it seemed to be the end of the road for this iconic route. Transnet were certainly not interested in restoring the line for tourists as it did not form part of their core business.
Fast forward seven years and the situation had changed. Realising that they could not solely rely on bulk coal exports and other bulk loads, there was a change of heart. It was now realized that certain branch and secondary lines could in fact provide freight for the main lines,” said chairman of the Friends of the Choo-Tjoe, Colin Jenkins.
With this mind, Transnet asked the local municipalities if they would look into ways of providing services that would supplement their main line loads. In the case of the George-Knysna line there was a recognition that tourists would play a big part in any future plans.
One line that has already seen the benefits of this Transnet/private partnership is the Ceres line. During the week Transnet moves freight from Ceres to Cape Town and at weekends, tourist trains are run.
(details from www.ceresrail.co.za ) So far, the tourist trains have been a sell out and booking is essential.
“So let us hope that this, the tenth anniversary of the closure of the line will see it's reopening,” said Jenkins.
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