The Randburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) has welcomed the proposed extension of the Gautrain route, and even suggested an additional route to Lanseria International Airport.
“I think the Gautrain expansion through Randburg will be a huge boost,” said the chamber’s CEO, Linda Blackbeard.
“I do think it should go to Lanseria as then we can hop on the train to the Lanseria airport. Lanseria is also a huge developmental node. Look at the impact the Gautrain has had on the Rosebank area and property values.”
She said businesses were largely excited to have the Gautrain in (or rather under the ground of) the Randburg CBD.
In a joint chamber directors input document shared with Randburg Sun, the RCCI directors stated that they hope to work with the Gautrain Management Agency to determine the best route and mitigate any negative possibilities.
“The RCCI commits itself to establish a task team from now including the Gautrain Management team, The City of Joburg, the Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA), the Randburg Improvement Central (RIC) and all stakeholders so that planning for the coming station, investment into the area and development of businesses and industries flowing from the new developments can begin in earnest,” the chamber directors said.
Moreover, if the new route does not include Lanseria International Airport, then, they suggested, the proposed Cosmo City Station in Northgate be relocated to the airport.
“Randburg needs the Gautrain as it seeks to rebuild Randburg from a slump over the last few years. With Multichoice as a major stakeholder in the area, the area is fast becoming an entertainment industry hub. Randburg already is an automotive hub and a crucial road hub given its location. With the revamped core of the business district including the new municipal offices, library, clinic, taxi rank and commercial node improvement, having the Gautrain train station will be the impetus for a total injection of passing traffic into the area.”
Chamber directors said a vibrant commercial area was needed in Randburg and the Gautrain will hopefully do this while turning fewer buildings into residential complexes.
“Randburg was found in the last census to have the greatest concentration of professionals living and working in the area in the country. This the RCCI wishes to further promote… The RCCI notes how the Gautrain has benefitted areas such as Sandton and Rosebank and desires the same for Randburg.”
In the same document, RCCI directors noted the concern expressed by the Automobile Association of South Africa (AA), which said the Gautrain was in decline and not financially viable. Instead, the AA proposed a major bus route be constructed instead, to serve the masses as the Gautrain ‘only serves minorities who already have travel alternatives’, in their view.
“[The RCCI] views the expansion as good for the area. The RCCI is positive that despite the recent trend of working from home and the lack of travel due to the present pandemic people will in due course return to the office and travel.”
More information about this new route network can be found here.
