Abstract
M.Ing. (Engineering Management)
Commuter rail in South Africa faces many challenges as a result of a long history
of inadequate investment in rail rolling stock, infrastructure, operations as well as
the loss of appropriate managerial and technical (engineering) skills within the
industry. Over time, commuter rail services have continued to fail to respond
adequately to the changing passenger demands. On the other hand mobility has
undergone constant change in terms of both population growth and spatial
patterns. For an effective and viable country, the transport infrastructure and
operations have to respond to this continual process of change.
From the transport context, South Africa is still haunted by its poor transport
legacies of the past, which emerged mainly as a result of dysfunctional institutions.
The dysfunctional institutional arrangements have resulted in poor accountability in
the provision of public transport services, which were found to be largely
disempowering. Government‘s socio-economic and transport policies could not be
supported adequately by such institutional arrangements. As South Africa
embarks on a journey of turning its public transport system around, the challenges
for public transport are to simultaneously transform through meaningful integration,
whilst at the same time enhancing capacity through upgrading and modernization
in order to meet long-term needs of the economy.
This research focuses on the impacts of urbanization, commuter rail network and
planning interventions aimed at an integrated public transport solution.
Firstly, the research investigates the impact of urbanization in relation to public
transport and in addressing the ongoing challenge of rapid growth and thereby
perpetuating social, economic and spatial inequalities.
Secondly, there is a disjuncture between legislation and implementation that the
research investigates. Thirdly, the study investigates the connectedness of Gauteng in relation to
economic opportunities, social facilities and amenities. It aims to explore the extent
of integration of Gauteng institutionally, spatially and socio-economically.
The study concludes that transportation is the single most important factor in
shaping the economy. Transportation should therefore be highlighted in the spatial
development planning framework and processes in Gauteng.
The key in addressing the impact of urban rapid growth on commuter rail is
managing land use and transport networks in such a way that the highest level of
access to services and employment opportunities are maintained.