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.