Status: Past event
Inaugural Training on Commuter and Regional Train Services, African Region
About
The UIC Passenger Department is eager and delighted to hold the Training on Commuter and Regional Train Services for the first time in Africa, in-person in Johannesburg, in collaboration with the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT).
After eight successful editions organised in Europe, this new session marks an important milestone by bringing the programme to the African continent and addressing the specific opportunities and challenges of commuter and regional rail services across Africa.
The training will focus on enhancing operations and service quality to meet the distinct needs of both leisure and commuter travellers—ensuring they share the same train while enjoying a tailored experience—while also reflecting the operational, economic and social realities of African railway systems.
Objectives
- Provide an accurate and comprehensive overview of commuter and regional train systems around the world, with particular attention to the challenges and opportunities faced by African rail networks and evolving passenger behaviour;
- Provide participants with the information and tools needed to support decision-making related to commuter and regional rail services;
- Offer a global vision of commuter and regional train services while highlighting their development potential in Africa, with a customer-centric approach;
- Foster the exchange of experience and knowledge between international experts and African railway stakeholders, and share the latest developments in the field.
Target Groups
The training is targeted at:
- Managers in decision-making positions in the transport sector in general and in the railway sector in particular; • Representatives from ministries, local or regional authorities, advisory bodies or agencies;
- Universities, research institutions or professional associations;
- Young professionals in railway companies who wish to gain a global vision of the sector and start building their international network.
Conditions for Participation
- The course is designed for participants interested in acquiring a comprehensive overview of commuter and regional train systems;
- Participants are not required to have prior knowledge of commuter and regional rail systems;
- Attendance is required for all sessions;
- Every participant will receive a certificate of completion;
- Delegtes from outside South Africa should make sure whether they need a visa to visit the country. Information is available from the following website: https://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/immigration-services/types-of-visas.
Event Duration & Schedule
- Total Duration: 2 days of training + 0.5-day technical visit.
- Language: Training sessions will be conducted in English.
- May 26: Full day of CRTS Training.
- May 27: Full day of Training + Gala Dinner.
- May 28: Half-day (0.5) Technical Visit.
- Visit of Gibela Rail, a transformative Train Manufacturing and Services company in South Africa. The company has localised production, developing skills, and creating jobs while delivering modern, reliable commuter trains.
Venue & Accommodation
Hotel: Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Conference Centre 44 View Point Rd, Bartlett, Boksburg, 1459, Sudáfrica
Tariff: R1625 per night. Booking Contact: reservations at birchwoodhotel.co.za Paballo (PaballoM at birchwoodhotel.co.za).
Hotel Phone: 011 897 0000 (ext. 0024). Website: www.birchwoodhotel.co.za
Airport Shuttle: The hotel provides a complimentary shuttle to and from OR Tambo International Airport.
Fee Inclusions & Participant Costs
- Included in Training Fee: Full training program, technical visit, lunches, coffee breaks, and the Gala dinner.
- Participant Responsibility: Flights, lodging, additional meals, visa fees, and the training fee.
Registration:
Participants are invited to register online using the link below. As the number of places is limited, early registration is strongly recommended.
After submitting the registration form, participants will receive a confirmation email with further information regarding participation and practical arrangements.
For any questions or support, contact us anytime at thereza at technoscene.co.za.
Sponsors
Silver
- MC KINSEY
Organisers
Platinum
Programme
Tuesday 26 May
08:00 – 09:00 | Registration
09:00 – 10:00 | Welcome Session
- Federica Follesa – Head of Regional Contract Management, Trenitalia, CRTS, Chair
- Dr Vathiswa Papu-Zamxaka – Deputy Vice Chancellor, Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
- Dr Buyiswa Mncono-Liwani – Corporate Services & Traction Motors Operations Executive, Gibela Rail Consortium
10:00 – 10:30 | Comfort Break
10:30 – 12:00 | Module 1 – Trends and Changes: Economic and Legal
- This module provides an overview of the main economic and regulatory trends shaping passenger rail services. It explores how Public Service Obligations (PSO), market liberalisation, and funding models influence the organisation and
- performance of rail systems. Special attention is given to African contexts, including tendering processes and the balance between public service and commercial viability.
- Tshepo Kgobem – Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Gautrain
- Andrea Giuricin – Transport Economist, Chief Executive Officer, TRA Consulting
- Alberto Chulli – Associate Partner, McKinsey & Company
- Open Discussion
12:00 – 17:00 | Module 2 – Commuter Travel Infrastructure and Operational Challenges
- This module examines the main challenges affecting commuter rail systems in growing metropolitan areas, focusing on infrastructure resilience, operational efficiency, safety, and passenger service. Particular attention will be given to
- African urban rail systems and the realities of high-demand commuter corridors.
12:00 – 13:00 | Part A – Infrastructure Challenges
- The session will also explore strategies to modernise legacy infrastructure while maintaining service continuity and improving network capacity.
- Joaquin Botella – Chief Technical Engineer, Sener
- Vuyiswa Tlomatsane – Maintenance Service Executive, Gibela Rail Consortium
- Open Discussion
13:00 – 14:00 | Lunch Break
14:00 – 15:00 | Part B – Operational Challenges
- Discussion will focus on how operators can improve reliability and responsiveness in complex urban environments.
- Oriol Juncadella – Director, FGC Operadora
- Regional Speaker – Africa (TBC)
- Open Discussion
15:00 – 16:30 | Part C – Safety and Security Challenges
- Topics include passenger security, station safety, trespassing prevention, emergency response, cybersecurity, vandalism prevention, and creating a safer customer environment across the rail network.
- Giancarlo de Marco Telese – Deputy Head of Operations, UIC
- Grigore Havarneanu – Director of Security, UIC
- Regional Speaker – Africa (TBC)
- Open Discussion
16:30 – 16:45 | Confort Break
16:45 – 17:00 | Wrap-up Session
Wednesday 27 May
08:30 – 13:00 | Interactive Design Thinking Workshop
- This interactive session is designed to encourage exchange among participants through group work and practical exercises. Participants will analyse real-life challenges in passenger rail systems, identify key issues, and propose practical
- solutions. The workshop will conclude with a collective discussion to share insights and best practices.
13:00 – 14:00 | Lunch
14:00 – 15:30 | Module 3 – Rolling Stock Adaptation
- This module focuses on how rolling stock can be adapted to different service needs, including commuter, regional, and leisure travel. It examines design considerations such as capacity, comfort, accessibility, climate resilience, energy
- efficiency, and cost optimisation, as well as strategies for modernisation, refurbishment, and fleet renewal in emerging markets.
- Junior Lechaba – Rolling Stock Operations Executive, Gibela Rail Consortium
- Regional Operator – Africa (TBC)
- Open Discussion
15:30 – 15:45 | Coffee Break
15:45 – 18:00 | Module 4 – Passenger Experience and Service Reliability
- This module explores how railway operators can enhance passenger experience and improve service reliability through customer-centred strategies, digital innovation, and seamless multimodal integration. It will examine how rail services can
- become more attractive, efficient, and responsive to evolving passenger needs across commuter, regional, and leisure markets. Part A. Part A – Multimodal Services, Ticketing and Travel Experience
- Magnus Just Hansen – Head of International Affairs, DSB
- Federica Follesa – Head of Regional Contract Management, Trenitalia
- Vanessa Perez – CX & Accessibility Senior Advisor, Passenger Department
- Regional Operator – Africa (TBC)
19:30 | Social Dinner
Thursday 28 May
08:30 – 09:15 | Opening Session
09:15 – 10:35 | Module 4 – Passenger Experience and Service Reliability. Stations Experience. Part B – Station Experience and Accessibility
- This session continues the discussion on passenger experience, with a focus on stations, infrastructure, and operational improvements. It highlights international case studies and practical approaches to enhancing service quality,
- accessibility, and customer satisfaction in commuter and regional rail services.
- Maria Gusarova – Senior Advisor, UIC SMGG
- Masahiro Sawasaki – Senior Manager / Railway Expert, JR East
- Regional Speaker – Africa (TBC)
10:35 – 11:00 | Closing Session
- Conclusions
- Certificate Ceremony
11:00 – 15:45 | Technical Visit Visit of Gibela Rail Consortium, a transformative train manufacturing and services company in South Africa.
- The company has localised production, developed skills, created jobs, and delivered modern, reliable commuter trains for the national rail sector.
