Revitalisation of branch lines in South Africa : a long-term view for sustainability
Date
2010-11-30
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
AOSIS Publishing
Abstract
South Africa’s national railway management is considering the further closing of a
number of branch lines due to profitability pressures from stakeholders. This paper
cautions against a myopic approach to such closures. Traditionally these decisions are
driven by short-term profit motives realised through resulting core line densification. The
research presented in this paper demonstrates the importance of 1) taking cognisance
of potential branch lines flows; 2) considering freight transport externalities and road
usage costs; and 3) understanding long-term demand, in informing closure decisions.
The research results reveal considerable volume opportunities for branch lines which, if
captured, will significantly reduce both the direct transport costs for this traffic as well as
externality charges for the economy. This will therefore not only render rural economies
more competitive but also enable the provision of more sustainable freight transport
to these communities. The research approach will be of value to researchers in both
developed and developing economies to inform the continuous debate regarding rail
rationalisation and rail revival.
Description
The original publication is available at http://www.jtscm.co.za
CITATION: Simpson, Z. & Havenga, J. H. 2010. Revitalisation of branch lines in South Africa : a long-term view for sustainability. Journal of Transport and Supply Chain Management, 4(1):243-254. doi: 10.4102/jtscm.v4i1.70.
CITATION: Simpson, Z. & Havenga, J. H. 2010. Revitalisation of branch lines in South Africa : a long-term view for sustainability. Journal of Transport and Supply Chain Management, 4(1):243-254. doi: 10.4102/jtscm.v4i1.70.
Keywords
Railway branch lines -- South Africa, Sustainability -- South Africa, Railway management -- South Africa
Citation
Simpson, Z., Havenga, J. 2010. Revitalisation of branch lines in South Africa : a long-term view for sustainability. Journal of Transport and Supply Chain Management, 4(1), 243-254. doi: 10.4102/jtscm.v4i1.70.