Suspension of Shosholoza Meyl long-distance passenger train services by the Passenger Rail Agency of SA (Prasa) was blamed by executives on the alleged inability of Transnet to service and repair locomotives. Transnet says the allegations are “misleading, false and defamatory”.
Tumisang Kgaboesele, special adviser to Prasa CEO Lucky Montana, said that Transnet had refused to certify Prasa trains that were not maintained by Transnet Rail Engineering, as required by the Rail Safety Regulator’s regulations. This meant trains could not run on Transnet’s network.
Transnet spokesman Mboniso Sigonyela contended that “Prasa has maintained a vicious media campaign accusing Transnet of being the main cause of its troubles.” However Transnet had not been paid for work performed to the value of about R1.3 billion. Despite this, Transnet had continued maintenance work on Prasa locomotives. “Prasa has confirmed the indebtedness and Transnet awaits payment,” he said. However Transnet has been advised by Prasa that no payments would be made in respect of work performed without a purchase order. Transnet in turn advised Prasa that this is not always possible – “in particular when it comes to en-route inspection and repairs.”
Prasa reaffirmed its position in writing on 23 July. By 12 August, more than 70 out of 124 locomotives were out of service, awaiting maintenance, Sigonyela said.
Meanwhile Prasa has managed to restore some of its long-distance services.

Original article [Railways Africa]