Transnet spokesman John Dludlu is quoted by The Herald online saying that reaction to the November call for expressions of interest from private bidders to operate the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe would be made public once the process has been completed.

Western Cape finance, tourism and economic development MEC Alan Winde told the Herald he hoped 2010 would be “the year that the Choo-Tjoe receives a new owner and is given the chance to cement its iconic status”. He is confident the Choo-Tjoe will form part of Fifa World Cup visitors’ tourism experience. “Transnet has prioritised the sale of the Choo-Tjoe’s operations between George and Mossel Bay, and assures us they will communicate with us as soon as any milestones are reached,” Winde said.

During a two- week period over the December holidays, he added, the Choo-Tjoe was almost fully booked: “This is particularly remarkable since its usual thrice-weekly timetable was doubled to accommodate holidaymakers.” The majority of travellers on the train were South African, which could indicate renewed enthusiasm for heritage rail in the

country, he thinks. In addition, foreign visitors to the Choo-Tjoe provided positive feedback of their experience.

“It is our hope that the experiences these travellers had will be communicated to their countrymen back home, and will encourage further visitors,” Winde said.

The line between Knysna and George was badly washed away in several places by floods in 2006, the damage being aggravated by further heavy rains the following year. Initial estimates for repairs ran to more R100 million, a figure which would be inevitably higher today. The current steam-worked service is running between George and Mossel Bay, though diesels have had to be used recently due to a critical shortage of water in the region.

A steering committee has been set up to collate ideas on restoring the Knysna line. One proposal is to curtail the route to omit the badly damaged section at Kaaimans River, ie running trains between Wilderness and Knysna only. Unfortunately this would leave out the scenic bridge crossing the breakers at the mouth of the river, much photographed and known throughout the world.

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5. OUTENIQUA CHOO-TJOE
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