Network analysis of the South African commuter rail network

Abstract

Public transport is important for cities and as transportation systems become complex analysis of these networks could assist planners in decision making. This study presents the results of network analysis of the South African Gauteng, Western Cape and Kwa-Zulu Natal commuter rail networks. Graph theory is used to determine network properties to characterise the network according to its state, form, and structure. The results show that all three networks are well developed in comparison to international urban rail networks. Each network is sufficiently serving its regional purpose by providing regional or local coverage or a combination thereof. The Western Cape and Kwa-Zulu Natal networks favour regional and local connectivity, respectively over number of transfers, while the Gauteng network is more integrated providing a better balance between connectivity and number of transfers. The study contributes factor adjustment to benchmark the South African commuter rail characteristics with international metro networks. Further, the results from the comparison between the existing networks and expansion plans for South African networks serve as baseline for transport practitioners to assess the impact of network expansion alternatives.