Abstract
Rail industry in South Africa is facing a dilemma in connection with
trains overcrowding causing injuries and fatalities. This paper emphasized this
topic analysis to reach the understanding of the problem to an eventual solution
that will benefit both the train user and the operator. One of the priority insights
look was at the annual train planned schedule versus the actual state of trains
given to run. The overall objective of the paper’s study was to analyze the existing
train schedule that is currently in use and whether addressing the needs of
the commuter. The paper highlighted that the found-out train planned schedule
are not always met due to technical issues. The paper also investigated the
number of healthy trains versus the commuter demand per peak, because operationally
fit trains are required to avoid service distraction that can lead to overcrowding
of trains.