Transport

Abstract

Effective transport systems are essential for the conduct of local, regional, and international commerce and trade, and mobility is an important determinant of human welfare in the modern world. South Africa has a transport infrastructure that is the envy of many developing countries (ASPO-SA et al. 2008b). An extensive road network, comprising both paved and (to a much greater extent) unpaved roads, covers much of the country. A rail network of 20,000 km connects all of the major urban settlements in the country, and approximately 80,000 wagons and 2,300 locomotives operate on this network. The South African Rail Commuter Corporation (SARCC) operates commuter railways in the six major metropolitan areas, but there are no light railways or underground rail systems in South Africa’s cities. South Africa has in excess of 20 commercial airports, although many of these are small and provide limited services (ASPO-SA et al. 2008b: 24). The majority of international flights land at the O.R. Tambo International Airport (ORTIA) in Johannesburg, while airports in Cape Town and Durban also offer some international flights. South Africa has a coastline of 2,954 km, on which there are 18 notable ports including eight multipurpose commercial ports. These ports are connected to the rail and road networks and serve as entry and exit points for internationally traded goods.