Run Freight Rail Privately

Statement by Dr Chris Hunsinger MP – DA Spokesperson on Transport:

The DA has made a formal submission on Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager’s (TRIM) latest Network Statement, calling for South Africa to move away from Transnet running the country’s freight rail network and allow private companies to take over the operation of key rail lines.

TRIM’s current plan does not go far enough. It allows some private companies to run their trains on the network, but Transnet will still control the tracks, infrastructure and management of the network. This keeps the same failing system in place.

In our submission, the DA calls for private companies to be given concessions to run parts of the freight rail network. This means they would be responsible for operating, maintaining and investing in those lines.

The current plan also gives the private sector too small a role. By 2030, private operators are expected to move only around 10% of the targeted freight volumes, while Transnet will remain responsible for the vast majority. That is not enough.

There are also serious concerns about the process involving the 11 private train operating companies that were previously given conditional access to major freight corridors. The related tender process was recently cancelled and will now have to be redone.

This creates further delays when South Africa desperately needs more freight moved from roads onto rail. It also shows why private participation cannot depend on slow and uncertain processes controlled by Transnet.

The DA has therefore called for clear timelines for when private concessions will be developed and implemented.

Businesses, farmers, miners and exporters cannot keep paying the price for a freight rail system that does not work.

The DA will continue pushing for private operators to take over key freight rail lines, invest in the network and get South Africa’s goods moving again.