Technical
Infrastructure
Because capital expenditure is aimed at making the service
more cost effective and market-oriented, while at the same time
addressing passenger satisfaction and broad community needs, the
capital investment programme was compiled after careful prioritising
of projects.
The highest priorities were, unavoidably, the security programme
(which was rescheduled to be completed within 3 years, instead
of 5) and the upgrading of commuter stations. During the period
under review, 87 stations were upgraded and security stepped up
at 100. These projects are planned for finalisation during 1993/94.
Some strategic properties have been made available for commercial
development which will lead to an increase in income and asset
value and create a safe and acceptable environment for our commuters.
The maintenance of the 2 400 km of track and more than 300 Corporation/Metro
stations and halts is handled on a contract basis by Transnet
Ltd on behalf of the Corporation.
By increased productivity and innovation the division succeeded
in keeping the cost increase for maintenance within 4% p.a. under
the annual inflation rate. Simultaneously the division maintained
the norms for punctuality and availability of the main service
at a level of 96% to ensure commuter satisfaction.
The division of the assets of the old South African Transport
Services between the Corporation and Transnet Ltd will be finalised
during the 1992/93 financial year. The asset value amounts to
R4 238m consisting of R1 439m worth of rolling stock and R2 799m
of infrastructure and fixed property.
Planning Department
The establishment of the Planning Department during the year
has placed the Corporation in a position where it can incorporate
the rail perspective in macro socio-economic urban developments.
The department has made effective contributions to structure planning
initiatives, transportation studies and land use and transportation
planning in all the metropolitan areas of the country through
gaining representation on major planning bodies. It has been a
challenging period for the division, particularly because of the
broad recognition that rail systems form an integral component
of the transportation systems of the future. Several improvements
and additions to the existing network have been identified and
incorporated in various structure plans. Through sustained endeavour
in these areas, the Corporation will contribute towards the realisation
of integrated transport systems in metropolitan areas.
Rolling stock
During the past year rolling stock was successfully converted
for implementation on the Port Elizabeth-Uitenhage and East London-Berlin
services. Six trainsets were converted for the East London service
and five trainsets for the Port Elizabeth service. The conversion
adds considerably to improving the cost coverage on these services.
Development work has focused on running costs and safety aspects
of existing rolling stock. High running cost items have been identified
and developments introduced to improve reliability and further
reduce maintenance costs. Examples are improvement to the traction
motor brush box design and a microprocessor controlled sequencing
system in the traction control circuits.
Commuter safety aspects have been addressed with the upgrade
of door systems, improved windows and communication systems to
facilitate operating control/driver/guard communication. Public
address systems are also being introduced on trains to enable
announcements to be made to commuters while on board trains and
closed circuit television systems are being investigated to assist
in providing a safe environment for commuters.
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