Gauteng Business 2016 edition

OVERVIEW
Transport
Public transport in Gauteng has undergone a complete makeover in recent times,
with the likes of being a prime example of the power of possibilities.
The notoriously busy highways of Gautengs have experienced
some easing of both congestion and pollution thanks to the
roll out of the Gautrain and the BRT. Plans are also afoot to
have a single ticketing system that incorporates busses, rail
and metered taxis, which would be a game changer for the sector.
The harmonious integration of all forms of public transport will offer
passenger benefits such as shorter waiting times, reduced travel time,
greater flexibility and accessibility. It will also allow passengers to plan
their trips accurately thereby making public transport a mode of choice.
Gautrain runaway success
The high-speed rail system, Gautrain, has graduated beyond ferrying
customers to and from the airport, and after two years is averaging
32 000 passengers per day, and to over 50 000 daily currently. The
recent increase in the usage of the Gautrain passengers shows that
commuters are making a conscious shift from private car use to public
transport, and that public transport is safe, reliable, accessible and
affordable.
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.
The extension, as part of the
Concession Agreement with the
Bombela Concession Company,
is being implemented to make
provision for future capacity
options. Construction work to
extend the platform has commenced
and the anticipated
completion date is mid-2016.
An assessment of the economic
impact of the Gautrain
has been completed and the
results are better than what we
could have imagined. The results
have shown that the Gautrain
has created 34,800 direct job
opportunities during construction
and 922 sustainable jobs
after the start of operations.
The Gautrain has also re-activated
property development
in many areas around its stations
and thus has contributed
to the goals of transit oriented
development, better land use
and redress apartheid special
development planning.
Reports estimate that R46-
billion 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. The value of property
near Gautrain Stations has
also appreciated substantial with
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