1. Who or what is the South African Rail Commuter Corporation (SARCC)?

The South African Rail Commuter Corporation Limited (SARCC) is a state corporation, established in 1990 to ensure the provision of commuter rail services to the people of South Africa. It falls directly under the Department of Transport and has its own autonomous Board of Control (see Board profile).

2. What is the role and function of the Corporation?

• Owns and manages rail commuter assets.
• Manages the operating subsidy.
• Specifies rail services and monitors the performance of the operator.
• Manages the execution of capital investment projects.
• Ensures upgrading and enhancement of commuter rail infrastructure, stations, land and properties.
• Co-ordinates with local and provincial governments on the development of the public transport function.

3. Where does SARCC fit within the South African Rail Industry?

4. How many coaches does the SARCC own?

SARCC owns 4 638 coaches, most of which are operated on 2 859-km rail track - 97% of which is electrified (3 kV DC).

5. Who are SARCC'S shareholders?

The Government is the sole shareholder of SARCC.

6. Who are SARCC's main stakeholders?

Ministry and Department of Transport, Provincial Governments, Metropolitan and Local Councils, Concessionaire(s), Public and Rail Commuters, Organised Labour and Business, Department of Finance, Transport Authorities, Professional Institutions (such as the Rail Associations, CSIR) and Researchers.

7. Is SARCC and Metrorail the same company?

No. SARCC has contracted Metrorail, (a business unit of Transnet) to provide commuter rail services on its behalf in the metropolitan centres of South Africa. (See the rail transport structure).

8. How many people make use of commuter rail transport?

Over 2 million people use commuter services to and from daily in the major metropolitan areas of Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and East London.

Passenger journey statistics is as follows:

1999/2000	2000/2001	2001/2002
491.0 Million	489.5 Million	466.9 Million

Source: Metrorail Annual Report 2001/2002

9. What is the nature of commuter rail service?

Rail services are provided in two classes, namely Metro and MetroPlus, the latter being slightly costly.