Massive Gautrain expansion planned, but NOT everyone is happy

Last week, William Dachs, the CEO of Gautrain Management Agency (GMA), announced a big Gautrain expansion, reported TopAuto. Said to be in advanced stages, the Gautrain expansion would see 150 km of track added to the existing 80 km.

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This Gauteng Rapid Rail Integrated Network (otherwise known as Gautrain) expansion would, in effect, triple its original network. The proposed expansion would create a 240 km high-speed rail link from Johannesburg to Polokwane.

GAUTRAIN EXPANSION IN THE WORKS

However, not everyone is happy about the proposed expansion. Gauteng Provincial Government would assume ownership of the express rail system after the existing concessions with Bombela expire, too.

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Chief among its detractors is the Automobile Association (AA). It released a statement last week saying the proposed extension should be rejected by the Gauteng Provincial Government. “An expansion will perpetuate a system which caters for the minority of citizens who don’t need it, instead of the mass market which does,” it said.

DEMAND IS LOW

In its submission, the AA highlighted the demand for Gautrain expansion was low, and economic viability could not be established. “Simply put, the Gautrain doesn’t carry enough passengers currently, certainly not as many as projected when it started,” it said.

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“Spending valuable financial resources now to continue with a system that doesn’t have a demand, at the expense of more efficient and affordable transport, does not make sense. Low usage of the Gautrain puts additional pressure on the province’s Transport Budget. In turn, this effectively means other transport options are not properly funded, again disadvantaging the mass market who needs it most.” said the AA.

GAUTRAIN COSTS TAXPAYERS BILLIONS

“The so-called Patronage Guarantee is a mechanism whereby Bombela – the current concessionaire – is compensated for sub-par ridership levels of their trains. This means they can rely on the Gauteng Provincial Government as a funder of last resort regardless of how well or badly their business fares. It’s a disgraceful and outrageous agreement which has cost taxpayers close on R12 billion since 2012 just because not enough people see value in using the Gautrain,” the AA said.

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Instead, the AA believes the Gauteng Provincial Government should invest heavily in a provincial-scale bus system in Gauteng. The provision of safe cycle lanes and solutions for those who walk the ‘last mile’ to work and home should be considered. These have inexpensive infrastructure requirements and will integrate with existing transport, bringing cost-effective travel within reach of all citizens,” concludes the AA.

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Since its inception, the Gautrain Management Agency (GMA) says it has created 10 000 direct and over 61 000 indirect job opportunities in South Africa. It says it contributed over R61 billion to the country’s GDP.

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What do you think of the proposed Gautrain expansion? Useful public transport or another white whale in South Africa? Be sure to share your thoughts with our audience in the comments section below. And don’t forget to follow us @TheSANews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest updates.

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