Gautrain looking at massive expansion

[Jamie McKane]

Gautrain looking at massive expansion

South Africa’s high-speed rail network is seeking 4 billion rand ($290 million) to increase its number of trains by 50 percent ahead of a potential expansion to other parts of Johannesburg and Pretoria.

The Development Bank of Southern Africa Ltd. is leading the fundraising, a spokeswoman said in an emailed response to questions on Wednesday.

 

[oldBastard]

Glad, but when this is done, I will be on pension.

 

[Jet-Fighter7700]

and this will be done when?

when the surface of the sun imploded and swallows up the earth?

 

[Compton_effect]

Yes, get more trains. No need to get the rest of your transport infrastructure running first.
Its not like anyone uses your busses. Of which there are too few. And they are always late.

 

[Mista_Mobsta]

Easier for a defunct, bankrupt and inoperable SOE to receive a bailout than it is for a solidly operating institution to find much needed funding to increase the operating capacity!?!

"Croneyism" vs Capitalism at it's best

 

[The_Librarian]

"massive"

yeah right. I'll go get my coat and get the heck outta here.

 

[grok]

Oh bother, more trains to be delayed by cable theft, especially considering some of the areas the new routes are planned for..

 

[supersunbird]

Not massive enough. And needs better integration with the various BRTs...

 

[Gameface777]

Are they even making profit from the current infrastructures???

 

[Rkootknir]

Are they even making profit from the current infrastructures???

There are very few public transport operations in the world that are profitable in their own right. Places like e.g. Tokyo & Hong Kong are generally exceptions because they are extremely densely populated but they still receive government subsidies.

However, most public transport operations are a net positive for the economy due to the efficiencies they create.

 

[namzsteve]

Glad, but when this is done, I will be on pension.

My thought too, it'll probably take decades to complete. That time we'll be too old to worry about commuting about

 

[Zukat]

Easier for a defunct, bankrupt and inoperable SOE to receive a bailout than it is for a solidly operating institution to find much needed funding to increase the operating capacity!?!

"Croneyism" vs Capitalism at it's best

I speak under correction, but they are not making a profit and secondly, servicing a very small percentage of population for any additional funding to be thrown in. Previously it was motivated on the back foot of WC2010, now I doubt their motivation will fly.

 

[TofuMofu]

There are very few public transport operations in the world that are profitable in their own right. Places like e.g. Tokyo & Hong Kong are generally exceptions because they are extremely densely populated but they still receive government subsidies.

However, most public transport operations are a net positive for the economy due to the efficiencies they create.

Perfect answer!

Adding Lanseria is a very good idea. The proposed expansion looks very good.

https://uploads.disquscdn.com/image...68514b4596423e5d4ef3f1c8a4a0e37b1d2aa2d6f.png

 

[now05ster]

"massive"

yeah right. I'll go get my coat and get the heck outta here.

Here just to say that too. We bring such thoughtful, insightful comments to the table.

 

[Mista_Mobsta]

I speak under correction, but they are not making a profit and secondly, servicing a very small percentage of population for any additional funding to be thrown in. Previously it was motivated on the back foot of WC2010, now I doubt their motivation will fly.

Agree with you in a sense. Government bailouts aren't needed even though the Government is still subsidising the Gautrain to a certain extent. Goes to show a public-private partnership for massive infrastructure projects can work very well. Predictions are that between 100k - 120k passengers per day will allow the current project to break even. The question is how else does the entire project benefit the economic hub of SA? When looking at the likes of SAA, does that SOE also not service a very small % of the population? The main motivation was to provide alternative rapid rail transport alongside the E-Tolling initiative which is failing dismally. Can't toll people if you can't provide them with an alternative right?

 

[BandwidthAddict]

If the government is asking for 4 billion now, tack on 2 zeros for the cost to completion.

 

[ArtyLoop]

'tis the African way...
Bailouts are to be celebrated..

 

[BandwidthAddict]

For an example, blast from the past:

https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/gauteng/gautrain-costs-sky-high-at-r30bn-1108275

Now add an extra zero for the rapidly depreciating rand value.

 

[Creag]

This expansion is long overdue. That they are only in the beginning stage of phase 2 is unfortunate. Can only hope getting it done this time is a massive priority.

Traffic into Johannesburg CBD, Rosebank and Sandton from anywhere is a trial of patience.

I work at home when I can. It definitely helps me chill a little avoiding crawling through the suburbs.

A line from Sandton through Randburg to Honeydew and something that connects to Lanseria also would make massive sense.

 

[supersunbird]

The new trains need to have more cars than 8 max, maybe 12 or 16 cars.