The economy can no longer afford the cost of heavy trucks on public roads, and competition in ports and rail, writes Aubrey Lekwane
A shift to rail is the only effective way to reduce the cost of doing business in SA, and would meaningfully cut the country’s carbon footprintMore private-sector participation in SA’s rail sector — as envisaged by the National Treasury — could re-invigorate the industry and substantially raise the country’s competitiveness.
Third parties should be granted access to the core rail network, although Transnet should retain ownership of all rail infrastructure assets, the Treasury argues. At the same time, a public-private partnership funding model can be used to roll out secondary rail line programmes, while the establishment of a rolling stock operating company should be investigated.
The leasing of locomotives is a likely scenario and several companies with experience in this field are already positioning themselves for this opportunity. Bombardier Transportation, which has partnered and co-operated with many leasing companies around the world, is keen to play its part. This has to change. Developing a quality rail network would stimulate the economy, cut carbon emissions, and reduce urban congestion — a major growth impediment in SA and across Africa. It would also improve access to work opportunities for those who cannot afford to live near them and, in doing so, would help address spatial legacies.
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