Transnet has issued a formal request for proposals (RFP) to two shortlisted bidders that participated in an earlier request for qualification (RFQ) process relating to the creation of a railways rolling stock leasing entity, dubbed LeaseCo, as a public–private partnership.
The identities of the two bidders were not released, with Transnet confirming only that the shortlisted bidders had been selected from among the 14 respondents to the April RFQ.
LeaseCo will be responsible for the acquisition, management, and leasing of rolling stock to domestic and regional markets and is being implemented as a private sector participation project involving Transnet Engineering.
“The private sector majority partner will bring capital, technical expertise and operational capability to revitalise, manage and expand the fleet,” Transnet said in a statement confirming the launch of the RFP.
Transnet told Engineering News separately that once the bid closed in December, a dedicated team would evaluate the submitted bids, and recommend the preferred bidder, which would then be subjected to a comprehensive due diligence.
