Reliability of Road and Rail Transportation in the Distribution of Goods Commodities on the Makassar-Parepare Route

Abstract

The transportation of goods in South Sulawesi remains predominantly reliant on road networks, with truck transport playing a central role in the region's logistics. Despite the introduction of rail infrastructure, its effectiveness as an alternative freight transportation mode has not been comprehensively evaluated. This study assesses the reliability, cost-efficiency, and environmental impact of both truck and rail transport along the Makassar–Parepare route, employing both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. The findings reveal that road transport demonstrates superior reliability and operational flexibility, with trucks offering lower transportation costs at IDR 404 per ton-kilometre, compared to IDR 511 per ton-kilometre for rail. However, rail transport exhibits increasing cost efficiency over longer distances, particularly beyond 360 kilometres. A modal shift of 30% from trucks to rail has the potential to reduce carbon emissions by 22.6%, contributing to environmental sustainability through a 29.5% reduction in fuel consumption. These results highlight the need for an integrated approach to transport infrastructure development, where economic, environmental, and social dimensions are holistically addressed. Future efforts to enhance rail infrastructure could provide significant long-term benefits by alleviating road congestion and supporting sustainable freight transportation.