Growth plans in the pipeline
Approximately 60 000 train passengers and 23 000 bus passengers utilise Gautrain’s services on a typical weekday. can be ascribed to Gautrain making fast, convenient, comfortable and efficient transport a reality in Gauteng,” says Dr Barbara Jensen, senior executive manager for communication and marketing at the Gautrain Management Agency. “The Gautrain has changed the image of public transport in the province, reduced travel distances and is also promoting domestic tourism.
“It is estimated that R46billion in total GDP impact has been added to the provincial economy due to property development induced by the Gautrain, contributing a further 245 000 jobs.
“These socioeconomic development achievements showcase Gautrain as more than just transport, but a sustainable project that continues to contribute to the economy and the people of Gauteng throughout its developmental and operational phases,” adds Jensen.
She reports that the Gautrain has delivered at an excellent rate of 99% train availability and 98% train punctuality.
From June 2010 to April 2015 there have been 50 million passenger trips, 300 000 train trips and 1.5 million bus trips.
Jensen says Gautrain forms part of the Gauteng government’s long-term infrastructure development strategy for economic growth.
The Gautrain project has been designed in such a way that it restructures urban areas, improves the city’s sustainability and reduces travel distances and cost. It is part of the backbone of an integrated public transport system in Gauteng.
Enhancements
Jensen says travel patterns and demand levels on the Gautrain are closely and continuously monitored and a number of system capacity enhancements have been implemented to the system.
These enhancements include: the addition of eight-car trains during peak times; the introduction of slightly earlier and later trains between Sandton and the airport; improvement of mobile network connectivity in the underground stations of Sandton, Rosebank and Park Station; the introduction of innovative fare products designed to promote off-peak and counterflow ridership; and amending bus routes to suit passengers better.
“The extension of the Gautrain Station platform at the OR Tambo International Airport will, upon completion, enable passengers to embark or disembark from a full four-car train set, which at present is limited to two cars,” says Jensen.
Construction work to extend the platform has commenced and the anticipated completion date is mid-2016.”
Jensen says a detailed assessment and analysis of the current transport network in Gauteng was done as part of the province’s approved, proposed 25-year Integrated Transport Master Plan, which aims to deliver a worldclass and sustainable transport system that The plan contains the proposed route extensions for the Gauteng rapid rail network.
“T h e G a u t r a i n Ma n a g e me n t Agency was given the green light by the Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Dr Ismail Vadi, to commence with the feasibility study for the Gauteng rapid rail network,” says Jensen.
“The appointment of a consortium of Transaction Advisors to conduct the feasibility study was announced by the MEC in October 2014. The study is currently underway and its purpose is to inform the decision to proceed with the pro- posed extensions and the preferred routes that should be developed.
“This will be based on a number of benefits such as the transformational impact on the Gauteng economy; the modernisation of public transport; passenger access and mobility; improved spatial development; environmental impact; and job creation and poverty alleviation.