Transnet

Infrastructure Manager
Network Statement

The draft Network Statement, published by Transnet's Interim Infrastructure Manager on the 15 March 2024, has been gazetted and has been subjected to the Public Consultation Process facilitated by the Interim Rail Economic Regulator Capacity (IRERC) for the receipt of public comments.

This draft Network Statement aims to provide all Train Operating companies with a unified source of information flow required for a functional rail access system. The draft Network Statement contains, inter alia, rules, time limits, timelines, procedures, services, charging principles, and terms and conditions governing the use of the railway infrastructure by Train Operating Companies (TOCs).

Furthermore, it contains information regarding Transnet's operational corridors which make up the network; and the Service Levels to be entered into between the Infrastructure Manager and the TOCs.

To produce a final Network Statement, the process begins with the public consultation process facilitated by IRERC. Timelines are dependent on the conclusion of the IRERC processes. The IRERC then provides recommendations for the final version of the Network Statement, which includes the methodology for calculating the access charge. Once these steps are completed and the IRERC processes are finalized, the updated and approved final Network Statement for 2024/25 will be published on the Infrastructure Manager's website. The Network Statement will then be updated annually to ensure it remains current, with the third-party access process expected to commence once the access regime, tariff methodology, and finalization of the Network Statement have been approved by the IRERC and the TER is appointed.

For the purposes of the public consultation process on the Network Statement, comments must be submitted directly to IRERC (email: irercsec@dot.gov.za) using the process outlined on the Department of Transport's website.