Full steam ahead for South Africa’s iconic steam train

Its full steam ahead for South Africa’s iconic steam train, affectionately known as the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe, the Garden Route’s iconic steam train.

To celebrate the return of the Choo-Tjoe service, a function will be held on Monday 19 October 2009.  This function will be attended by, amongst others, representatives from the Provincial Government of the Western Cape including the MEC for Economic Affairs and Tourism, Mr. Allan Winde, members of the Steering Committee established to advise of the future of the Choo-Tjoe, tour operators, Transnet executives and relevant stakeholders.  This function will include a trip on the Choo-Tjoe from the Outeniqua Transport Museum in George to the Dias Museum complex in Mossel Bay.  

Members of the public wishing to travel on the train on the 19th of October will be able to buy one-way tickets from Mossel Bay to George in the usual way.

As from 21 October 2009 to 12 December 2009 the service will be operated on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, whereafter a daily service (excluding Sundays and 25 December) will be operated until 9 January 2009. Thereafter the normal three-day weekly service will be resumed.The train’s timetable will be published on www.visitmosselbay.co.za, and in the local press as soon as it becomes available.The continued support and patronage of the service by all is regarded as very important to ensure the survival and growth of the Choo-Tjoe as a tourism icon for the region as well as South Africa.

Source: Transnet Foundation