Gautrain — Linking the past, present
Preserving heritage was a key consideration in the construction of the Gautrain infrastructure
This month, the Gautrain celebrated Heritage Month by collaborating with the Mail & Guardian in hosting a Critical Thinking Forum to debate issues of public transport, particularly the Gautrain and heritage. Public transport has the ability to break societal barriers by bringing people from all walks of life together. I t i s g o v e r n me n t ’ s r e s p o n s i b i l - ity to ensure ease of mobility to its citizens. Citizens are, however, responsible for protecting and respecting public transport infrastructure by exercising basic human etiquette when using such services. Mantaining a culture of respect for public transport is what heritage means.
As a way of ensuring that public transport continues to positively change the lives of citizens in Gauteng, the Gauteng provincial government conducted a detailed study on the current transport network in Gauteng as part of the province’s proposed 25-year Integrated Transport Master Plan (ITMP25). The plan aims to deliver a wo r l d c l a s s a n d s u s t a i n a b l e transport system that supports Gauteng’s economic, social and cultural and environmental goals. It also set out to further position Gauteng as an attractive destination for investment and tourism. The plan has been approved and contains the proposed route extension for the Gauteng rapid rail network. Not only will the ITMP25 contribute to positively changing the lives of citizens in Gauteng through i ntegrated, acceptable public transport, but it will also leave a legacy for our children.
Public transport is not only a major part of heritage and culture but the vehicle to economic development and the Gautrain is the perfect example. The Gautrain Management Agency recently com- missioned KPMG to determine the economic impact that the Gautrain system has had in the Gauteng province thus far — including job creation, lifestyle changes, links to government policy and prope r t y d e v e l o p me n t . T h e r e s u l t s were better than what could have been imagined. Gautrain has had huge impact on business activity with additional investment in the retail industry. During construc- tion the Gautrain generated a variety of positive economic spin-offs and these include a R20-billion contribution to provincial gross domestic product (GDP) during its construction.
A feasibility study for the proposed Gauteng rapid rail network have been conducted by the Gautrain Management Agency and the results will be available during 2017. The purpose of the feasibil- ity study is to inform the decision to proceed with the Gauteng rapid rail network 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 s p a t i a l d e v e l o p me n t , e n v i r o n - mental impact and other benefits such as job creation and poverty alleviation.
Gautrain is a transport flagship project in Gauteng that has managed to break societal barriers by bringing people from all walks of life together while providing a convenient, fast and efficient means of travel that is enjoyable and stress free. Gautrain is South Africa’s pride and is now becoming part of Gauteng’s heritage and culture.