Power supply and cable theft stymie rail predictability

Transnet Freight Rail is
moving steadily forward
with the roll-out of its
scheduled services,
although progress has
been slower than hoped
for, TFR CEO Siyabonga
Gama told FTW last
week.
Launched with much
fanfare at the end of
2011, the concept is based
on guaranteed train
arrival and departure
times, designed to bring
about predictability and
reliability.
“On the Phalaborwa-
Richards Bay corridor
we are achieving around
92% success in terms of
schedule,” said Gama. “On
the Natcor, unfortunately,
the success level ranges
from 48-54%.”
The issues that TFR
faces are numerous, said
Gama. “They range from
having adequate power
supply to issues around
the ports, to the scourge
of cable theft. Natcor is
notorious for cable theft,”
he said.
Gama is however
confident that with better
locomotives, the statistics
will improve.