Apple Express lacks steam
Transnet only willing to invest in line if it is proved financially viable
NELSON Mandela Bay businesses are being called on to make a considerable investment that will help get the popular Apple Express steam train back on the tracks.
Attempts to get the much-loved tourist attraction up and running hit a major snag, with Transnet unwilling to spend money on the rail line unless it was proven economically viable.
The revival of the steam train has been in the pipeline for years, with a study into its feasibility showing a need for a hefty investment from Transnet.
The bid to revive the train, which has undergone a massive facelift, appeared to be gaining momentum shortly before the opening of Baywest last year, but no tangible progress has been made to date.
Transnet Freight Rail communications manager Mike Asefovitz said the company would only invest in the line if it was guaranteed to be financially viable.
“The maintenance ... in order to repair and open the line will only happen if a well-founded business case indicates that the expenditure on the line will warrant the fixing and opening of the line,” he said.
“Transnet eagerly awaits sound business proposals from the private sector that will bring the funding and the innovation to ensure that the narrow gauge line is restored with freight services being revived as this will allow an Apple Express train service to run on commercial grounds.”
The revamped coaches, currently under lock and key at a depot in Humerail, still attract many visitors since the train stopped running.
The train went under the management of Apple Express Rail chief executive Nerina Skuy four years ago. Skuy has funded the revamp. Following a five-year absence from the tracks, the train was envisioned to ferry consumers and revellers from the beachfront to Baywest.
Baywest managing director Gavin Blows said: “This would [not only] be a boost for Baywest, but also for tourism in the region as a train to the largest mall in the region would be an engaging activity for visitors.”
