Global rail leaders gather at TUT-backed CRTS Training in Johannesburg
Vanessa Perez, Senior Advisor at the UIC Passenger Department, said the programme is designed to give participants both a global and African perspective on commuter and regional rail services.
For the first time in Africa, the International Union of Railways (UIC), in partnership with the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), will host the inaugural Commuter and Regional Train Services (CRTS) Training at Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre in Johannesburg from the 26 to 28 May.
Led by TUT’s Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment (FEBE), this global platform for knowledge exchange in the passenger rail sector will gather senior experts, operators, policymakers, and innovators shaping the future of commuter and regional rail.
With UIC representing more than 200 members in 95 countries and having hosted eight editions in Europe, this African session marks a milestone for TUT and the continent. The programme aims to address Africa’s specific opportunities and challenges in commuter and regional rail while fostering industry collaboration.
Industrial Engineering Head of Department and Gibela Research Chair, Prof Tshifhiwa Nenzhelele, said hosting the training reflects the growing recognition of Africa’s role in the future of rail innovation and development.
“It is an honour for TUT to host a training programme of this calibre for the first time on African soil. Bringing together experts from organisations such as Gibela Rail Transport Consortium, the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa, Gautrain, Transnet and other global industry leaders creates a valuable platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration and skills development.
“This training is important because it equips stakeholders with global insights and practical solutions that can help strengthen and modernise commuter and regional rail systems across Africa,” he said.
Vanessa Perez, Senior Advisor at the UIC Passenger Department, said the programme is designed to give participants both a global and African perspective on commuter and regional rail services.
“The training will cover international trends, operational best practices and emerging developments in passenger rail, while also considering the realities and opportunities within African rail networks. Attendees will gain practical knowledge and tools for informed decision-making and customer-centric service,” she said.
“It will also facilitate engagement between international experts and African railway stakeholders, promoting the exchange of experiences, ideas, and innovative methods to support the growth of sustainable passenger rail services across the continent,” she added.
The three-day event will also feature a guided technical tour of the Gibela Rail Transport Consortium manufacturing plant in Dunnottar, Ekurhuleni.
Story by Mosima Rafapa first appeared on the TUT Website.
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