Key players launch pro-rail initiative

MAJOR INDUSTRY players have thrown their
weight behind an enterprising Fresh Produce
Exporters’ Forum initiative to dramatically
increase the movement of fruit by rail. Rail
freight currently accounts for a mere fraction
of the country’s annual export volume of 2.2
million tonnes.
Certain to add impetus to this move is the
decision by Transnet to extend indefinitely
the contract of dynamic Transnet CEO, Maria
Ramos, a key motivator in greater rail-overroad
usage.
Stuart Symington, CEO of the FPEF, is
convinced that if ever additional capacity was
required in the South African fruit industry, it
is in rail – despite the number of challenges
to be overcome to make it a viable mode
of transport.
“I would safely say that 98% of all fruit
transported from farm to port in this country
is by road. It is hoped that Transnet (given the
splendid job done thus far by Maria Ramos)
and all relevant role-players will come to the
party on rail.”
The FPEF project is entitled ‘Tonnage off
Tar’. As the title implies, it is a concerted
effort to reduce road transport volumes in
the belief that rail has a considerable number
of attractions (over road).
Current obstacles to the roll-out of rail
freight include slow train turn-around times;
insufficient rolling stock; theft of electrical
cables; insufficient siding equipment to load
trains with containers; and exporters changing
back to the use of road at the last minute.
To achieve its objective, the FPEF has
formed a strategy based on good business
practices that brings together all the roleplayers
needed to get rail ‘back on track’.
These role-players include the PPECB,
shipping lines, container depots, Transnet’s
TFR and TPT divisions, national and provincial
road departments, the Department of
Agriculture and the 2010 Soccer World
Cup committee.
“With all of our ports being in our cities,
road congestion in our cities over the Soccer
World Cup will be a nightmare unless plans
are made now to alleviate the pressures,”
said Symington.