NO GAUTRAIN FOR CAPE TOWN

on July 17, 2012 in Gautrain

Reacting to reports suggesting that Metrorail is continuing to plan on the basis of a new line to Cape Town’s international airport, Western Cape provincial transport MEC Robin Carlisle told press representatives there was no need for a Gautrain-like service in the mother city. Municipal officials too have lost enthusiasm for an airport railway, notably since the city instituted a costly luxury bus service that is severely underutilised. The proposed train line follows a roundabout route through Langa and would probably carry even fewer passengers than the bus – from which it would probably abstract passengers.

One Response to “NO GAUTRAIN FOR CAPE TOWN”

  1. Jo July 18, 2012 at 15:48 #

    How can Carlisle decide that a Gautrain service is not required in CT? Did he at least consult the public on their transport requirements?
    I use the train almost daily, and the service is poor, and far too slow and time consuming. The best service being 1h 10min between CT and the Strand, when it runs on time. A car takes 55 minutes even in peak time. The current so-called express trains departs too late for convenience in the afternoon, and arrive too late in CT in the morning. By increasing their speed to Gautrain-like 140km/h from the current Metrorail max. of 80km/h, will cut journey time by at least 20 min.
    The airport train will not be well supported I agree, the reason being that most people will want to use the same service to the airport from their homes in Bellville, Somerset West, Stellenbosch, and possibly even Wellington/Paarl. No-one will first go to CT, to catch a train to CTIA, even if they do work in CT itself, as one normally leaves in the morning straight from home, and will only occasionally return from Durbs or Jhb to CT office before going home. Only Gautengers will make use of the train between CTIA and CT station.

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