According to Dr Barbara Jensen, spokesperson for the Gautrain, the plan is still in its early stages, and detailed information on the individual routes will be available once the necessary studies have been undertaken.
The proposed extensions of the Gautrain forms part of the Gauteng Province’s Integrated Transport Master Plan.
The new route in Boksburg will run via the East Rand Mall.
Dr Jensen adds that the intension is to have the masterplan approved by the Gauteng Province, and all local authorities before the end of 2013.
“Key to the masterplan is to prioritise public transport, with the rail system being the backbone of the transport network.”
Chris van Biljon, chairman of the Ekurhuleni Business Initiative, says this is wonderful and exciting news.
“This shows that the government cares about making public transport more accessible to the public. We are already dealing with congested highways, so hopefully this will ease the burden on traffic jams,” says van Biljon.
“This is a also a great opportunity for more people outside the metro to support the East Rand, especially places of interest like the East Rand Mall.
“A few years ago there existed the fear that the Gautrain would become a white elephant, which has been proven incorrect. It now forms a part of an ever-developing Ekurhuleni, which has undergone a facelift as an Aerotropolis.
“The plans to extend the routes of Gautrain is significant, as it is a step in the right direction when it comes to the Aerotropolis, and this can only continue to bolster economic development.”
Attie Kolver, chairperson of the Ekurhuleni Business Association, says that from a business point of view this can only help to bring more people to the area.
“We, however, do hope that they will consult with the businesses in the area, especially regarding the bus services from the station into the CBD and industrial areas,” he says.
Kolver adds that there may be a problem with the hotels who do already have their own shuttle services between the airport and their premises.
Alana Hoskin, marketing manager for the East Rand Mall, says that they are very excited to have the mall included in the expansion plans for the Gautrain.
“This is a step in the right direction for Boksburg as a whole, and we eagerly await the final approval of these plans,” she says.
