Government is making steady progress towards ensuring that rail is the backbone of SA's public transport system, said Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele on Tuesday.

Key elements of its rail investment strategy are already being implemented. As of April 1, the government is spending 30,2 billion rand over the next three years for rail upgrades across the country, with 19,5 million rand capital expenditure allocated to upgrade existing infrastructure, signalling systems and rolling stock.

The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA), which consists of Metrorail, SA Rail Commuter Corporation, Shosholoza Meyl and Translux, is embarking on a programme to invest in new rail rolling stock, worth R97 billion over a period of 18 years. Ndebele said that this will significantly improve the country's passenger rail transport network, offering new routes and destinations throughout the country.

Government is going to be spending about 146 billion rand over the next four years on transport infrastructure and the improvements are also set to create opportunities for jobs in the tourism sector.

Yesterday was the first day of operation for the Gautrain link between Hatfield station in Pretoria and the Rosebank station. It gives us a glimpse into a future where rail could form the backbone of our public transportation system.