“The RSR has been working closely with the Bombela Concession Company since 2007 to ensure the safe completion and operation of the Gautrain Rapid Rail project,” said the regulator in a statement.

It said to this end the officials had engaged the Gautrain Rapid Rail Project in the phases of design, construction and testing and commissioning by conducting safety reviews, assessments and inspections on all safety aspects. 

In addition the RSR has issued Safety Permits for the operation of construction trains, as well as for the testing and commissioning phases.

“All these efforts are aimed at ensuring the rapid rail project operates safely once introduced for commercial operation”.

As major construction activities on the Johannesburg – Pretoria – Hatfield portion approached completion in January and February this year, the intensive Testing and Commissioning phase commenced. The system was handed over by the Turnkey Contractor to the Bombela Operating Company in March and the RSR issued a Trial Running Permit to BOC for the next phase of the testing.

The RSR was pleased that the operator had taken a very responsible approach to its safety obligations, and has cooperated fully with the RSR during this phase.