African Commuter Rail Future Highlighted in Johannesburg Conference
The future of commuter rail in Africa took center stage in Johannesburg as the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) hosted the inaugural African Commuter and Regional Rail Services (CRTS) Training. This event, in collaboration with the International Union of Railways (UIC), gathered industry experts to discuss advancements in rail innovation, safety, and the modernization of sustainable rail systems throughout the continent.
FEBE Executive Dean Professor Mxolisi Shongwe highlighted the importance of bringing CRTS training to Africa, noting its previous success in Europe. Over three days, rail operators, manufacturers, and academics from around the globe gathered to share insights, strengthen collaborations, and explore sustainable, reliable, and passenger-focused rail solutions.
Professor Mxolisi Shongwe, head of TUT’s School of Engineering and Built Environment, emphasized the significance of this training initiative, marking a pivotal moment for both TUT and the African rail sector. He further asserted that this recognition underscores Africa’s vital role in railway development.
He stated that holding the program on the continent allows for direct engagement with the unique challenges of African rail systems. “This provides an opportunity to address our own rail infrastructure realities, identify potential opportunities, confront challenges, and adapt to our specific socio-economic context,” he added.
The training, conducted in partnership with the Jibela Research Council for Manufacturing and Skills Development, aims to bolster local industrial capacity, enhance skill development, and foster a sustainable rail manufacturing ecosystem across Africa.
Day one focused on the challenges and innovations currently shaping the rail sector. Dr. Grigore Havarneanu, Director of Safety at UIC, differentiated between safety—pertaining to technical flaws and human error—and security, which includes intentional threats. He underscored the importance of ensuring passenger safety while fostering an environment where commuters feel secure, which is crucial for building trust.
Nompumelelo Mankwabe, Transnet Engineering’s head of continuous improvement, articulated the urgent need to modernize aging rail infrastructure, citing issues like outdated signaling systems, power network unreliability, theft, and rising maintenance costs. He declared, “Rail modernization is now a national economic priority. We require strategic investments, enhanced security measures, and skill development to restore dependable and cost-effective commuter rail services.”
Vuyiswa Tlomatsane, Director of Service Operations at Gibela Rail Transport Consortium, discussed the difficulties of integrating modern rolling stock with legacy infrastructure while simultaneously cultivating local expertise to lessen reliance on international suppliers. He noted ongoing collaborative recovery initiatives aimed at improving commuter services and operational efficiency.
On the second day, a design thinking session focused on the Metrorail Western Cape network, engaging participants in role-playing exercises to better understand diverse passenger experiences. Vanessa Perez, Senior Advisor for Customer Experience and Accessibility at UIC, spoke on how digital innovation and sustainability in tourism are reshaping rail travel, highlighting the growing preference among younger travelers for eco-friendly and integrated travel options.
Maria Gusarova, Senior Advisor at UIC’s Passenger Department, stressed the significance of passenger-centric station design and community-focused infrastructure, using the example of Paris, where additional facilities and services transform stations into vital community hubs.
As the program concluded, Kaparo Molefi, Executive Manager of Engineering at the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA), reiterated the central role of commuters in recovery and modernization. He revealed that 321 out of PRASA’s 495 stations are operational, with major upgrades underway as part of a comprehensive station improvement and precinct development initiative. The next CRTS training is scheduled to take place in Barcelona, Spain, from October 28 to 30, 2026.
