The South African railway sector has faced significant challenges in meeting the heightened demand for transportation due to population growth and economic pressures. This paper investigates the reliability issues experienced by a leading rail manufacturing company, which struggles to achieve its target of 90% train availability and reliability, averaging only 75% due to faulty components and inadequate maintenance strategies. The study employs a survey method to identify critical factors affecting reliability and explores potential enhancements to improve operations. Key findings reveal that unclear decision-making processes, lack of employee recognition, insufficient feedback mechanisms, and poor communication hinder reliability efforts. The proposed recommendations emphasize the necessity of structured processes, targeted training, and fostered feedback culture to enhance employee motivation and customer trust. By addressing these barriers, the study aims to contribute actionable insights for improving the reliability of rail transportation systems in South Africa, ultimately leading to greater customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.