Enhancing performance and increasing speed is TFR mandate

Rail transport needs to increase the tonnes per axle to improve the payload of heavy haul operations in the freight business as efficiency and productivity are inextricably linked to its success. Speaking at the opening of the Railways and Harbours 2011 conference in Johannesburg, John Mathew, corporate marketing manager for Transnet Rail Engineering, said enhancing performance and increasing speed while demanding more of rolling stock was integral to successful operations. He said Transnet Rail Engineering was pulling out all the stops to improve operations. “By 2014 we will have built in excess of 10 000 new freight wagons, upgraded more than 1000 diesel and electric locomotives and electric motorised passenger coaches, and built 150 new generation diesel electric locomotives at our factories around the country.”