Original Research
Revitalisation of branch lines in South Africa: A long-term view for sustainability
Journal of Transport and Supply Chain Management | Vol 4, No 1 | a70 |
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/jtscm.v4i1.70
| © 2010 Zane Simpson, Jan Havenga
| This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 30 November 2010 | Published: 30 November 2010
Submitted: 30 November 2010 | Published: 30 November 2010
About the author(s)
Zane Simpson, Stellenbosch University, South AfricaJan Havenga, Stellenbosch University, South Africa
Full Text:
PDF (1013KB)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.
Keywords
No related keywords in the metadata.
Metrics
Total abstract views: 3944Total article views: 3833
Crossref Citations
1. Macrologistics instrumentation: Integrated national freight-flow and logistics cost measurement
Jan H. Havenga, Ilse E. Witthöft, Zane P. Simpson
Transport Policy vol: 124 first page: 106 year: 2022
doi: 10.1016/j.tranpol.2019.10.014