The expansion of the Gautrain Rapid Rail Link remains on track to ensure that the projected future traffic congestion of the province’s central highways will be alleviated for commuters and other road users.
Gautrain Management Agency acting executive manager: portfolio management office, Victor Shange, provided delegates at the African Ports and Rail Forum in Durban recentlywith an update on the status of the proposed plan to extend the rail network by 150km. Shange said the agency had received feedback from national treasury on the feasibility report it had submitted for consideration in November 2016.
The report analysed data projecting demand for the service and also the risks of not ameliorating the rising motor vehicle traffic congestion on the province’s highways.
“Data shows that by 2037 Gauteng’s population will grow by 32% compared to 2014 and this represents a challenge for the government of Gauteng in that significant population growth leads to congested roads,” Shange said. Data projected that the number of vehicles on the roads would to increase from 3.9 million in 2014 to 8.6 million in 2037, the equivalent of a rise from 300 vehicles per 1000 people to 450 vehicles per 1000 people for the same period, he said.
The proportion of commuters using private transport in the province had also risen from 49% in 2000 to 56% in 2011. “By 2025 peak hour traffic will be travelling at 41km per hour and in 2037 at 23km per hour in peak and contra peak directions spread over three hours, and at 10km per hour if there is no peak spreading,” Shange said. He added that the data was based on the assumption of 1000km of additional freeway capacity and 1500km of additional dual carriageway capacity – and the completion of all current road improvements. The project to expand the rail network will be split into five phases.
He said the agency was currently busy working on its response to National Treasury’s feedback on the feasibility study, which included the need to embark on a fare sensitivity study. “National Treasury came back with an analysis of the study and they said what would happen if we were to lower fares, so we are busy with a scenario-setting project which is due for completion at the end of October.”
He said the agency would also engage further with the Development Bank of Southern Africa and work on the preliminary route alignment study for phase one. The rail expansion project includes the following new main links and stations:
• On the link between Jabulani via Cosmo City and Samrand to Mamelodi, stations include Roodepoort, Little Falls, Fourways, Sunninghill, Olievenhoutsbosch, Irene, Tshwane East and Hazeldean.
• The link between Sandton and Cosmo City has a station at Randburg.
• On the link between Rhodesfield and Boksburg there will be a station at East Rand Mall and possible link-up with the OR Tambo International Airport Midfield terminal development.
• A future link from Cosmo City to Lanseria Airport.
By 2025 peak hour traffic will be travelling at 41km per hour and in 2037 at 23km per hour. – Victor Shange
Data projects that the number of vehicles on the roads will increase from 3.9 million in 2014 to 8.6 million in 2037.
