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South Africa’s Gauteng Provincial Government recently named a Bombardier Transportation-led consortium as “preferred bidder” to negotiate concession contract terms for the financing, design, construction, and operation and maintenance of the 50-mile Gautrain Rapid Rail Link.

In addition to Bombardier, the Bombela Consortium comprises French civil contractor Boygues Travaux Publics; French rail/bus operator RATP Développement; South African civil contractor Murray & Roberts; and South Africa’s Loliwe Rail Contractors and Loliwe Rail Express. As lead member, Bombardier is responsible for Guatrain’s core electrical and mechanical systems, including a fleet of Bombardier Electrostar vehicles.

The opening of the system, which would link Johannesburg, Tshwane and the Johannesburg International Airport, is planned to coincide with the 2010 World Cup soccer tournament. South African government officials expect to complete the concession negotiations next year.