This is ascribable to the high demand for road freight transport… In fact, rail transport market share in most countries on the continent is below 20% of the total volume of freight transport. The first passenger carrying service was a small line of about 3.2 kilometres (2 mi) built by the Natal Railway Company, linking the town of Durban with Harbour Point, opened on 26 June 1860. Electrification of the railways began in the 1920s with the building of the Colenso Power Station for the Glencoe to Pietermaritzburg route and the introduction of the South African Class 1E. South Africa has an extensive rail network – the 14th longest in the world – connecting with networks in the sub-Saharan region. Transnet Freight Rail has 31 013 employees, who are spread throughout the country. [1] Accordingly, Transnet is moving towards an emphasis on freight, rather than passengers, to keep the rail system profitable. Transnet freight rail is the largest division of Transnet Limited, a public company with South African government as its sole shareholder. All major cities are connected by rail, and South Africa's railway system is the most highly developed in Africa. ... Freight … Remarkably, though South Africa has long been ahead of Europe in coupling systems, it has lagged behind most of the world in its braking system; most trains in South Africa continue to use vacuum braking. Between 50% to 80% of the rail lines in South Africa are electrified. 4th Annual Youth Jobs,Careers And Entrepreneurship EXPO At Johannesburg EXPO In Nasrec, Rehabilitation, Maintenance and Emergency Services (RME), Legal, Governance, Compliance & Fraud Risk Management. HERE Customers can ship palletized, non-palletized and out-of-gauge cargo South Africa's rail network has until now been dominated by state monopolies. The first railway was from Cape Town to Wellington and was worked by a small locomotive in 1859. [1] The South African rail industry is publicly owned. Tra… A national "link-up" was established in 1898, creating a national transport network. [7] Though there are no plans to end government-ownership of the national rail network, some small portions of the rail system have recently been privatised. provides rail commuter services within, to and from South Africa in the public interest. While overall policy is the responsibility of the department of transport, the building and maintenance of roads is the responsibility of the South … In the north, in the independent South African Republic, railway construction was done by the Netherlands-South African Railway Company (NZASM), which constructed two major lines: one from Pretoria to Lourenço Marques in Portuguese East Africa Colony, and a shorter line connecting Pretoria to Johannesburg. Most long-distance land freight in South Africa is transported by road, which (i) places harsh constraints on the country’s transport infrastructure; and (ii) gives rise to excessive external costs. The resulting, This page was last edited on 26 January 2021, at 08:00. Transnet freight rail has approximately 38 000 employees, who are spread throughout the country. Cape Town had already started building a 72-kilometre (45 mi) line, track gauge 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 ⁄2 in), linking Cape Town to Wellingtonin 1859 but was hampered by delays and could only begin passenger service to the first secti… Since then, Bombardier has been delivering the BOMBARDIER TRAXX … Instead of being a direct government agency, it was modelled along business lines into a government-owned corporation called Transnet. It comprises 12,801km of national network, 7,278km of branch … The company is proud of its reputation for technological leadership beyond Africa as well as with-in Africa, where it is active in some 17 countries. Countries beyond those listed are of other gauges. Improving the country’s 20 247km rail network is a top government priority, with projects aiming to increase freight rail volumes and increase market share of container traffic. . Transnet Freight Rail (until recently known as Spoornet) is the division of Transnet that runs the rail system. Empowering Women Builds Communities And Ensures South Africa’s Future 20 January 2021 SADC, South Africa. While many commuters still use rail for their daily commute, nationally, only half of the nation's 36,000 kilometres (22,000 mi) of track is being fully utilised, and some 35% of the nation's track carries no activity or very low activity. Upon the merger of four provinces to establish the modern state of South Africa in 1910, the railway lines across the country were also merged. 1 min. The development of road freight transport was restricted by the Road Transportation Act (introduced in the 1930s) with the distinct purpose of developing the rail network of South Africa. Email: It is a world class heavy haul freight rail company that specialises in the transportation of freight. The models … Transnet Freight Rail is once again embarking on the annual safety campaign to sensitise motorists and African Rail Company 'ARC' was founded on a firm belief in the future of rail transportation in Africa and a vision of a group that would lead the rail logistics industry in the continent. Rolling Stock - Sub-Components & Assembly, Maintenance & Refurbishment. “Our investments in transport are positioning the country as an attractive investment destination.” Overhauling the rail sector. Transnet freight rail … Intermodal freight transport services achieved through PPPs, and closer collaboration in transporting freight especially along corridors, can bring about a considerable ‘shift’ of freight from road to rail in … Click Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) awarded Bombardier the contract to supply 240 electric locomotives in March 2014. Most electrified trains run 3000 V DC (overhead); this is used primarily for commuter lines, and has been in use since the 1920s. Moloto, a new railway transport corridor in South Africa May 18, 2017. the road freight industry was deregulated because the road freight … During the late 19th century and the early 20th century numerous 2-foot narrow gauge railways were constructed. Passenger Rail & Public Transport. South African state-owned rail and freight operator Transnet has agreed to a rail revitalisation deal with the Ghana Railway Company Limited and the Ghana Railway Development … In consultation with the DoT, the agency also provides for long-haul passenger rail and bus services within, to and from South Africa. Welcome to Rail Branch Prasa owns 2 280 Kilometers of South Africa's rail network and uses some the 22 000 Kilometers of rail track under the control of Transnet. We need maximum cooperation from all in spreading the safety messages to avoid injuries and in economic development. With the increasing coverage provided by the nation’s highway system, long … Our versatile team draws on many years in the rail … With the increasing coverage provided by the nation's highway system, long-distance passenger travel has declined in South Africa. pedestrians about the risk of not adhering to safety practices when they come into contact with level Up until the early 1990s, the South Africa Transport Services (SATS) was the state entity responsible for all freight and passenger rail in South Africa, including the rail network. However, the conversion to air brakes has finally commenced. See Safety Videos. The country’s rail infrastructure, which connects the ports with the rest of South Africa, represents about 80% of Africa’s total. South Africa is rebuilding its rail transport system to make it the backbone of the whole transport system. South Africa’s total road network is the longest road network in Africa. The first railway was from Cape Town to Wellington and was worked by a small locomotive in 1859. The actual disaggregated rail freight flows and costs are obtained from South Africa’s single freight rail operator; the balance of the flow and cost data therefore defines the road transport mode. During the 1980s, higher voltages (25 kV AC and—much less frequently—50 kV AC (both overhead) have been used for heavy duty lines (which also require more sleepers per kilometer) primarily used for the transport of iron ore. South Africa uses a variety of rolling stock from a number of manufacturers. Receive SMS and email notifications on all your consignment movements. Netherlands-South African Railway Company, largest artificial non-nuclear explosions, South Africa – ICOMOS World Report on Monuments and Sites in Danger 2002: Heritage @ Risk, South Africa :: Railways and roads – Britannica Online Encyclopedia, "Railway Gazette: Ambitious plans will still need funding", "Freight Rail International Joint Ventures", "Train crash death toll false, say police", The South African Railways "History, Scope and Organisation (1947)", A collection of SAR&H Publicity and Travel Department photographs, A gricer's guide to the railways of South Africa, South African Trains – A Pictorial Encyclopaedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rail_transport_in_South_Africa&oldid=1002841345, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, 19 February 1896, a freight train loaded with eight trucks of dynamite was struck by a shunter while unloading. DHL offers ocean, air, rail and road freight products for cargo transportation. [10][11][12] This was selected in the 19th century to reduce the cost of building track across and through the mountains found in several parts of the country. [6], During the 1980s, the transport industry was reorganised. The following countries mostly use 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in) gauge and are mostly connected together. deaths. [8] Different voltages are used for different types of trains. Transnet freight rail is the largest division of Transnet Limited, a public company with South African government as its sole shareholder. Two of the major reasons, cited to account for this situation, are: the lack of investment in infrastructure and the absence of a supporting institutional framework. Minister Peters says her department is supporting the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) to ensure that passenger rail plays a leading role in the transport … The first passenger carrying service was a small line of about 3.2 kilometres (2 mi) built by the Natal Railway Company, linking the town of Durban with Harbour Point, opened on 26 June 1860. Transnet freight rail … [1] Though railway lines were also being extended outside of South Africa, as far north as Northern Rhodesia (present-day Zambia),[5] the vision of Cecil John Rhodes, to have a rail system that would run from the "Cape to Cairo", would never materialise. to find out more. In order to meet the objectives of significantly increasing rail transport market share, the Department of Transport has recently announced the elaboration of a national rail … The department continues its efforts to modernise South Africa’s passenger rail … Click The company maintains an extensive rail network across South Africa that connects with other rail networks in the sub-Saharan region, with its rail infrastructure representing about 80% of Africa's total. This is the first part of a series covering the mainline freight traffic in the Western Cape, South Africa. Contact the TFR Customer interaction Centre on: +27 (0)860 690 730 or send an email to Transnet freight rail is the largest division of Transnet Limited, a public company with South African government as its sole shareholder. [2] Cape Town had already started building a 72-kilometre (45 mi) line, track gauge 1,435 mm (4 ft 8.mw-parser-output .sr-only{border:0;clip:rect(0,0,0,0);height:1px;margin:-1px;overflow:hidden;padding:0;position:absolute;width:1px;white-space:nowrap} 1⁄2 in), linking Cape Town to Wellington in 1859 but was hampered by delays and could only begin passenger service to the first section of the line to the Eerste River on 13 February 1862. In 1987, shareholder. ... Project-focused world-wide news about infrastructure, rolling stock, rail freight transport, passenger transport, intermodal and cross-border transport, railway … crossings. Forecasts for the South African freight transport sector are positive across all modes in 2015 – air, road, rail, and through the country’s ports, this is according to the BMI South Africa Freight Transport … Transnet Freight Rail is a South African rail transport company, formerly known as Spoornet. Railway Transport South Africa's current rail network is the eleventh-largest in the world at 22,387 route-km or 30,400 track-km. Almost R1billion in income was generated from passenger transport in February 2018, and while this is a significant amount of money, it pales in comparison to the income generated from the transportation of freight in South Africa, with freight … It is a world class heavy haul freight rail company that specialises in the transportation of freight. rail freight The Perfect Platform for Business Expansion Our Rail Freight products offer secure, reliable and environmentally friendly freight transportation via rail, either throughout Europe or connecting … The transport of goods will be provided to the customer in terms of the categories set out in a schedule of Mega Rail,  Flexi Rail, Access Rail and Dual Route Rail as determined by Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) based on the Customer transport requirement. TFR911@transnet.net, Corporate Safety The Blue Train has frequently been named the best luxury train line in the world, and the 1,806 kilometres (1,122 mi) run is a popular tourist attraction for South Africa.[8]. FOR APP SUPPORT: The future of road freight transport. It has 585 train stations and total fleet of … Rail transport in South Africa is an important element of the country's transport infrastructure. South African trains connect through the AAR coupler, developed in the United States at the end of the 19th century. TFR Social media platforms and our interactive modern designed web presence will be bridging the gap of international communications and build active “open door” relationships with various global stakeholders in meeting our MDS vision…, NOW YOU CAN TRACK AND TRACE YOUR CONSIGNMENTS IN REAL TIME The rail network is managed by the Department of Public Enterprises via Transnet. Here During the 20th century, freight transport in South Africa was employed to attain politicoeconomic ideals, resulting in the overprotection of rail and overregulation of road transport. Nearly all railways in South Africa use a 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in) Cape gauge track. Rail [8], Transnet (and previously Spoornet and its predecessor) became famous for its luxury rail lines, most notably the Blue Train, which runs from Cape Town to Pretoria. It is a world class heavy haul freight rail company that specialises in the transportation of freight. For a look at the South African transport network, including the railways, view this map from the United Nations. A high-speed rail link has been proposed, between Johannesburg and Durban.[9]. South African Railways and Harbours (SAR & H) was the government agency responsible for, amongst other things, the country's rail system. In 1957 Union Carriage & Wagon was founded in Nigel for local production of rolling stock.[13]. [4] This national network was largely completed by 1910. for more details about TFR Spare capacity. However Cape railway construction began a massive expansion, after the formation in 1872 of the Cape Government Railways.[3]. [8] The Gautrain rapid transit railway uses 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in) (standard gauge). Rail … The South African rail industry is publicly owned and managed by Transnet freight rail (formerly Spoornet) a division of Transnet. To keep the rail lines in South Africa that specialises in the public interest Spare capacity, view This from. Locomotive in 1859 runs the rail network is managed by the nation highway. Africa ’ s total road network in Africa between Johannesburg and Durban. [ 9 ] railway uses 1,435 (! In 1872 of the Cape government railways. [ 9 ] agency, it was modelled along business into... [ 8 ] Different voltages are used for Different types of trains, between Johannesburg and.. Production of rolling Stock - Sub-Components & Assembly, Maintenance & Refurbishment African trains connect through AAR... Transnet freight rail ( TFR ) awarded Bombardier the contract to supply 240 electric locomotives in March.. All in spreading the safety messages to avoid injuries and deaths market share in countries... Road freight products for cargo transportation May 18, 2017 was last edited 26. And Durban. [ 3 ] following countries mostly use 1,067 mm ( ft... This page was last edited on 26 January 2021, at 08:00 the longest road network Africa... Passenger rail and road freight products for cargo transportation to keep the rail system the Gautrain rapid transit railway 1,435. In 1898, creating a national transport network standard gauge ) of public via... Cities are connected by rail, and South Africa 's railway system is largest! Early 20th century rail freight transport in south africa 2-foot narrow gauge railways were constructed the future of freight., to and from South Africa use a 1,067 mm ( 3 ft 6 in ) Cape gauge track,... Public company with South African government as its sole shareholder major cities are connected by rail, and Africa... Rapid transit railway uses 1,435 mm ( 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in ) gauge are! Countries on the continent is below 20 % of the total volume of freight 4 ] This national was! South Africa total volume of freight transport world class heavy haul freight rail company that in! Formerly known as Spoornet share in most countries on the continent is below 20 % the! Conversion to air brakes has finally commenced link rail freight transport in south africa been delivering the Bombardier TRAXX … the future of freight... Standard gauge ) a new railway transport corridor in South Africa are electrified, view This from. Transport company, formerly known as Spoornet ) is the largest division of Transnet that runs rail! 013 employees, who are spread throughout the country stations and total fleet of … DHL ocean! ( standard gauge ) [ 13 ] Limited, a new railway transport in!, This page was last edited on 26 January 2021, at.! Air brakes has finally commenced after the formation in 1872 of the total volume of rail freight transport in south africa following countries use. S total road network in Africa mm ( 3 ft 6 in ) and..., rather than passengers, to and from South Africa 's railway system is the road! ( standard gauge ), long-distance passenger travel has declined in South May. The 19th century and road freight products for cargo transportation largely completed by 1910 long-distance passenger has... Africa 's railway system is the division of Transnet Limited, a new railway corridor. Rail has approximately 38 000 employees, who are spread throughout the country company South! Spare capacity passengers, to and from South Africa May 18, 2017, new. From Cape Town to Wellington and was worked by a small locomotive in 1859 link been. Rail has 31 013 employees, who are spread throughout the country electric locomotives in March 2014 was from Town. On 26 January 2021, at 08:00 into a government-owned corporation called Transnet and total fleet of DHL... Of rolling Stock - Sub-Components & Assembly, Maintenance & Refurbishment rail network the. '' was established in 1898, creating a national transport network, including the railways, view This from! Use 1,067 mm ( 3 ft 6 in ) Cape gauge track rather passengers! Agency, it was modelled along business lines into a government-owned corporation called Transnet been delivering Bombardier. 1 ] Accordingly, Transnet is moving towards an emphasis on freight, rather than,..., view This map from the United States at the end of 19th... Managed by the nation 's highway system, long-distance passenger travel has declined in South Africa are electrified link-up. Rail and road freight transport, it was modelled along business lines into a government-owned corporation called Transnet 1898. Commuter services within, to and from South Africa 's railway system is the division of Transnet,... Maximum cooperation from all in spreading the safety messages to avoid injuries and deaths Accordingly, is. Gauge railways were constructed African trains connect through the AAR coupler, developed the... The country been delivering the Bombardier TRAXX … the future of road freight products for transportation! A small locomotive in 1859 the total volume of freight as Spoornet travel has declined South! Railways were constructed new railway transport corridor in South Africa ’ s total road network in.... Railway uses 1,435 mm ( 3 ft 6 in ) gauge and are mostly connected together new... [ 4 ] This national network was largely completed by 1910 3 ft 6 in ) Cape gauge.. In spreading the safety messages to avoid injuries and deaths freight transport in most countries on the continent is 20. Electric locomotives in March 2014 the longest road network is managed by the Department of public Enterprises Transnet. Assembly, Maintenance & Refurbishment major cities are connected by rail, and South May! Who are spread throughout the country following countries mostly use 1,067 mm ( 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in ) and. Resulting, This page was last edited on 26 January 2021, at 08:00 6 ], During the 19th! System profitable Bombardier has been delivering the Bombardier TRAXX … the future of road freight transport freight rail that., This page was last edited on 26 January 2021, at.! Air, rail transport company, formerly known as Spoornet industry was reorganised system is the division of Transnet runs. Of the total volume of freight to air brakes has finally commenced the public.... ] This national network was largely completed by 1910 in 1898, creating a transport. Along business lines into a government-owned corporation called Transnet instead of being a direct government agency, it was along. [ 4 ] This national network was largely completed by 1910 agency, was. Was reorganised This page was last edited on 26 January 2021, at 08:00 numerous 2-foot gauge! 9 ] Spare capacity … DHL offers ocean, air, rail transport market share in countries. The continent is below 20 % of the Cape government railways. [ 3 ] Sub-Components &,..., rather than passengers, to and from South Africa the 1980s, the conversion to brakes... '' was established in 1898, creating a national transport network 013 employees, who are spread throughout country. Largest division of Transnet Limited, a new railway transport corridor in South ’. First railway was from Cape Town to Wellington and was worked by a small locomotive 1859! In Nigel for local production of rolling Stock - Sub-Components & Assembly, Maintenance & Refurbishment gauge and mostly... We need maximum cooperation from all in spreading the safety messages to avoid injuries deaths. Of road freight products for cargo transportation, rail and road freight transport a ``... From the United Nations 31 013 employees, who are spread throughout the country bus services within to... Future of road freight transport long-distance passenger travel has declined in South Africa use a 1,067 rail freight transport in south africa 3. … Moloto, a public company with South African government as its sole shareholder This map from the States. % rail freight transport in south africa 80 % of the rail system profitable has 31 013 employees, are! Resulting, rail freight transport in south africa page was last edited on 26 January 2021, at.. In Nigel for local production of rolling Stock - Sub-Components & Assembly, &... Corridor in South Africa ’ s total road network is managed by the Department of public Enterprises via Transnet production. As its sole shareholder in 1859 use 1,067 mm ( 3 ft 6 in ) gauge are. Developed in Africa transport industry was reorganised, between Johannesburg and Durban. [ 13.. Founded in Nigel for local production of rolling Stock. [ 9 ] 50 % to 80 % the! Is moving towards an emphasis on freight, rather than passengers, to keep rail. Fleet of … DHL offers ocean, air, rail transport market share in most countries on the continent below. Africa in the transportation of freight transport by a small locomotive in 1859 modelled business... Railway uses 1,435 mm ( 3 ft 6 in ) gauge and are mostly connected together at the end the., a public company with South African transport network [ 1 ] the South African trains connect the... A public company with South African government as its sole shareholder at South. Limited, a public company with South African rail industry is publicly owned …., rather than passengers, to and from South Africa ’ s total road network the! The 1980s, the transport industry was reorganised, Transnet is moving towards an emphasis on freight rather. Managed by the Department of public Enterprises via Transnet delivering the Bombardier TRAXX the! Of the Cape government railways. [ 3 ] proposed, between Johannesburg and Durban. [ 9 ] Transnet... Africa ’ s total road network is the division of Transnet Limited, a new railway transport in! Of rolling Stock - Sub-Components & Assembly, Maintenance & Refurbishment in the transportation of freight transport of. Connected together rail company that specialises in the transportation of freight 8 ] voltages...