Economic Impact Study for Gautrain Rail Project

The Gautrain Management Agency (GMA), a PFMA Schedule 3(C) provincial public entity, is inviting proposals from suitably qualified and experienced service providers to conduct a comprehensive Economic Impact Study of the Gautrain Rapid Rail Link Project. The study covers the full period from September 2006 to September 2026, spanning the development, construction, operational and Holdover phases of the project. It is intended to provide the GMA and the Gauteng Provincial Government with an evidence-based assessment of the economic, social, environmental, spatial and fiscal impacts of one of South Africa's largest public-private partnership transport infrastructure investments. The resulting consolidated report will serve as a definitive record for accountability, value-for-money evaluation, and future rail and PPP planning. The assignment has a 12-month duration from appointment.

The scope of work is extensive. The successful provider must develop macro- and micro-economic appraisal models using internationally recognised methodologies, quantifying GDP, Gross Value Added, direct, indirect and induced impacts, and investment multipliers. Social and environmental appraisal is also required, covering accessibility, mobility, quality of life, greenhouse gas reductions and modal shift. The study must assess job creation, SMME and enterprise development, localisation, land-use change and transit-oriented development, property investment around station precincts, productivity gains, household and business cost savings, and contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 8, 9, 11 and 13) and the National Development Plan 2030. A counterfactual ('without Gautrain') scenario and a consolidated 2006–2026 dataset must underpin the analysis, with all models and data delivered in editable electronic format.

Deliverables include an Inception and Methodology Report, an Interim Report, a Final Draft Economic Impact Report, stakeholder validation workshops, a Final Economic Report, full model handover with user guides, a professionally designed snapshot brochure, and a Lessons-Learned Knowledge Repository. A structured skills transfer programme for designated GMA personnel is mandatory. Evaluation is based on an 80/20 price and B-BBEE preference model, subject to a functionality threshold of 75 points. Functionality weighting covers team qualifications and experience (lead expert minimum master's degree and 15 years' experience), company experience (at least five infrastructure or PPP projects of R250 million or more over ten years), and methodology. Mandatory submissions include a valid tax compliance status or PIN, CSD registration, B-BBEE certificate or affidavit, and an SBD 4 declaration of interest. Bids must be submitted electronically through the GMA's Automated Tender System by 11:00 on 9 November 2026.