GEORGE-KNYSNA LINE:
Posted on 21 February 2009
GEORGE-KNYSNA LINE: QUESTION
Alan Coe writes:
“I have not seen any update on the most important George/Knysna line for some time. What is the latest news? I mean, to lose it for the sake of a paltry R100,000,000, (a drop in the ocean next to the Joburg short rail link to the airport), when it used to be always fully-booked. This most scenic line in the world would surely draw more passengers well beyond the one-world-cup line, which has destroyed so many homes and businesses. Never found it a problem getting the bus to and from the airport.. They seem to have lost the plot some years ago; real shame. I remember when SA was the steam mecca for world rail enthusiasts, but not any more.” [ see next story. - editor
GEORGE-KNYSNA LINE: ANSWER
The following appeared in The George Herald on 5 February 2009:
"In examining the future possibilities of the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe, the [Western Cape] Department of Economic Development and Tourism is considering the formation of a private public partnership specifically on the George to Knysna [rail] service.
“At the steering committee held on 30 January 2009 the options detailed in the business cases for both the George to Knysna service and the one to Mossel Bay were being studied. A financial business plan will be presented on 10 March. On that date both business cases will be scrutinised.
“During the floods of 2006 and 2007 various sections of the railway line suffered damages which ran into millions of rands.”
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