Abstract
Transnet Freight Rail, one of the biggest railway companies on the African Continent, is revamping itself to be amongst the top five railway enterprises in the global market by the year 2020. However, studies suggest that the company is continuously challenged with increasing cost of rolling stock maintenance while trying to keep up with the commitment to lower the cost of doing business in South Africa. In the literature reviewed, little research has been done to understand the factors affecting the enterprise. This study sought to investigate the factors contributing to the total sustainability cost of locomotives to help Transnet Freight Rail to optimize the cost of rolling stock maintenance.
This research study used multiple data collection methods in order to answer the research questions and gain an in-depth understanding of the subject. The source of data included operational data for locomotive operating between Durban and Johannesburg, fleet maintenance cost data, and survey results. The study used the Natal Corridor as the area of study.
The study results suggest that Transnet Freight Rail was operating with the aging fleet between Durban and Johannesburg. The enterprise did not have the processes or technology to depict failure before the occurrence. Moreover, most of the conservation budget went to the unplanned maintenance activities.
The company should focus on improving engagement processes between departments, adopt a proactive approach to managing asset performance, the condition of locomotives, and achieve its business goals.
M.Phil. (Engineering Management)