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.