South African rail operator Transnet has appointed an interim rail infrastructure manager ahead of the planned opening of the national rail network to third-party operators in April 2024. The interim Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM) is working with the Interim Rail Economic Regulatory Capacity (IRERC) to manage access and develop plans. The new Network Statement is due to be published on 1st April 2024 when applications for track access open. TRIM will then take over responsibility for the network. From May 2024, third-party rail freight transport operators will be able to use requested time slots for track access that are not occupied by the Transnet Freight Rail Operating Company (TFROC), Transnet's future rail freight operator.
