GEORGE NEWS - Transnet in its 2010 annual report announced its decision to terminate the Oute-niqua Choo-Tjoe train service in its entirety as the tender process was unsuccessful in that no new operator could be found.
Western Cape minister of finance and tourism Allan Winde is however determined to continue his plans for saving this world steam heritage icon. "I remain resolute in my commitment to reviving it and ensuring that it remains a vital part of the South Cape’s heritage and tourism offering.

"The Choo-Tjoe railway line between Knysna and George was built in 1922 and was handed over to the Transnet's Heritage Preservation Unit in 1993. It carried an annual average of 115 000, mostly foreign, tourists until 2006, when severe storms damaged the line.

"Since then, the Choo-Tjoe has operated between George and Mossel Bay, and has continued to generate international interest from rail enthusiasts, as well as economic spin-offs in the Garden Route area."

Transnet’s Mboniso Sigonyela said: "The George-to-Mossel Bay line, on which the Choo-Tjoe service is currently operated, is part of the Southern Cape cluster of branch lines that have been identified to be carried over to a private operator. This process is being undertaken by Transnet in an open, competitive manner. Further announcements on the process of granting a concession on the branch line will follow in due course.

"The intention is to ensure that tourism and other opportunities are unlocked on this line through the facilitation of provincial government. Further details of this process will be announced in due course. The Outeniqua Transport Museum in George will remain open to the public," said Sigonyela.

Winde said the rescue entails the ceding of the line between Knysna and George and the Choo-Tjoe train over to the Western Cape provincial government, which will try to find a private company/business to take over its operations.

Article: Pauline Lourens

CAST YOUR VOTE ON THIS STORY BY VOTING ON THE HOME PAGE VOTING POLL.