The Apple Express Volunteers association has been making slow but steady progress towards their goal of bringing the Apple Express back.
Transnet Freight Rail have undertaken a line inspection and are currently assessing the cost to repair the damage on the line following last year’s heavy rain storm. There is some support from within the municipality and Transnet to resume the Apple Express tourist service but progress is very slow.
The support group for the Apple Express, Apple Express Volunteers (AEV), is preparing as much as possible for the resumption of services. This will include extensive renovation of the coaches and minor work to the only useable steam locomotive that is available. There are another two locomotives that will require extensive and costly renovation. AEV will also be training up volunteers to be able to operate the train as this cannot be done on a commercial basis,
The aim of the Apple Express Volunteers association is to restore the tourist service using as much voluntary labour as possible for the more technical aspects whilst creating as many job opportunities as possible in non technical positions. This is due to the fact that the economics of tourist operation will not support a fully commercial venture. The aim is to create training opportunities for all the rail and tourist related positions over time. This will need some form of assistance from the community.
The AEV’s are committed to keeping the public informed of progress on this great development and cannot wait to get started.
One of the stumbling blocks at the moment is that Apple Express Rail does not yet have a lease agreement with Transnet for the loco sheds and office space. Therefore the volunteers cannot get on site and start work. This is after months of negotiation and stalling. Not enough is being done from within the municipality and Transnet and we need your support.
If you wish to see the Apple Express Train running send an email to all of the following:
- Apple Express Rail: Nerina Skuy – skuys[at]worldonline.co.za
- Transnet Freight Rail: Transnet CEO Mr. B. Molefe – Brian.Molefe[at]Transnet.net / Zanale.Mbele[at]Transnet.net
- Eastern Cape MEC Economic Develeopment: Hon MEC Mcebisi Jonas – khululwa.sotshana[at]deaet.gov.za or Fax: 043 605 7306
- Deputy Executive mayor: Councillor Chippa Ngcolomba – llunn[at]mandelametro.gov.za or Fax: 041 505 4479
- NMBM Mayoral Committee: Ms Babalwa Lobishe – rschalkw[at]mandelametro.gov.za or Fax: 041 505 4473
- Executive Director, Economic Development, Tourism and Agriculture: Mr Zolile Siswana – zsiswana[at]mandelametro.gov.za or Fax 041 503 7522
Some Apple Express Train videos to help you put pen to paper or money to bank:
