Transnet to stop operating the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe train

South Africa's rail company Transnet announced the decision to terminate the world-famous Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe train service. According to Mboniso Sigonyela, Transnet’s External Communications Manager for Group Corporate and Public Affairs, Transnet identified the Choo-Tjoe as one of its non-core assets.

Therefore Africa’s last scheduled steam train will stop operating within the next couple of month unless a new operator for the service will be found. The company already tendered for a new operator as it hoped to privatise the service, but the parastatal could not identify a suitable new operator. The Outeniqua Transport Museum in George will remain open to the public.

UPDATE (14 Sept 2010): MOSSEL Bay has swung into action to try to save the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe, Africa’s last scheduled steam-hauled train, which has been slated for closure later this month. More on weekendpost.co.za

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Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe up for sale

The Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe train, back to service since about a month, is up for sale. Transnet placed an advert in a George newspaper some days agai calling for expressions of interest from prospective buyers of the train.
According to SABCNews the main reason for selling the train line is that Transnet needs to focus on core rail freight operations and can't afford keeping the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe running for much longer.
The Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe is a heritage steam train service that started operating between George and Knysna on a line officially opened in 1928. In 2006 severe storms caused extensive damage to the George -Knysna railway line. As a result the train service stopped operating. With effect from 16 October 2009 tourist train is returned to service between George and Mossel Bay.

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Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe tourist train to return to service

With effect from 16 October 2009 the steam-hauled Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe tourist train is to return to service between George and Mossel Bay.

Time Table:
16 October to 11 December 2009 and 11 January to 31 March 2010 - Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays only.
14 December to 9 January 2010, daily excluding Sundays and 25 December.

• George depart 10:00
• Hartenbos arrive 11:30
• Hartenbos depart 11:35
• Mossel Bay arrive 12:00

• Mossel Bay depart 14:15
• Hartenbos arrive 14:30
• Hartenbos depart 14:33
• George arrive 16:10

Fares:

• adults R140.00 single, R180.00 return
• children 3 – 11 years R70.00 single, R 90.00 return
• under 3 years free

Important notes:

• Advance reservations are essential, at least 24 hours prior to departure.
• The right is reserved to substitute steam locomotives with diesel.
• Latest reporting time is 30 minutes prior to departure.
• Smoking is not permitted on the train/
• Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
• The provision of service is subject to sufficient support.
• For their own safety, passengers are asked to read the conditions of travel displayed in the coaches and on the notice board at the George ticket office.

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Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe steam train stopped operating

Times Online reported at the 27 June 2009 that the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe steam train stopped operating last Friday. I just doublechecked it with the Transnet Foundation Heritage Preservation and got the following answer:

NEWSLETTER
Dear Sir / Madam
Re; OUTENIQUA CHOO TJOE
Kindly note that the following will be applicable to all reservations for travel after 01 July 2009. Timetable and fare sheet subject to change without prior notification.

INDEMNITY:-
Please be advised that Transnet Limited, who currently operates the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe Service between George and Mossel Bay, will be exiting the management and operation of this service in the course of 2009. Mindful of the important role that the Choo Tjoe plays in preserving our steam rail heritage, Transnet is currently in discussions with relevant stakeholders to find a new entity to take over the management and operation of the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe in future. As there may be changes to the train schedule under new management, Transnet can unfortunately not be held liable for any loss, damages or costs incurred as a result of changes or cancellations made as from 01 July 2009. The customer hereby indemnifies and holds Transnet harmless against any loss or damages suffered by or claims made against Transnet by the customer as a result of or in connection with any such changes or cancellations. Your continued support of the Choo Tjoe , which is vital to ensure that this icon is preserved for future generations to admire and enjoy, is sincerely appreciated.

Let us hope the best so that the world famous Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe steam train will be back on the railroad as soon as possible!

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