The network was part of the province’s proposed 25-year Integrated Transport Master Plan, by the Gauteng Roads and Transport MEC Ismail Vadi.
Gautrain’s Barbara Jensen said the intention was to have the plan approved by the province and all local authorities before the end of this year.
Key to the plan was to prioritise public transport, with the rail system being the backbone of the transport network.
The proposed rail network would comprise a link to the high speed rail network from Johannesburg and Durban proposed by the National Department of Transport and a rapid rail link including Gautrain and its extensions for the high mobility corridors.
“The plan also provides a planning framework which will assist the roads and transport department in collaboration with other spheres such as the Gautrain Management Agency and the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa to develop, and extend, the rail network into an inter-graded and efficient transport system that serves the needs of all Gauteng citizens, with the focus on developing modern modal transfer facilities at Metrorail stations,” said Jensen.
Once the plan has been approved, Jansen said the indicated rail links would be investigated and the necessary studies undertaken.
“Funding methods and timeframes will be developed for approval.”
Jansen said the plan would enable a shift from private vehicles to public transport and non-motorised transport that would reduce congestion, enhance efficiency and promote sustainability.
“It also means planning for the transport of people and considering person trips, as opposed to vehicle trips,” she added.
The extensions include a link from the existing Gautrain Park Station to Westgate; a link from the existing Rhodesfield Station to Boksburg; a rapid rail link from Naledi in Soweto to Mamelodi in Pretoria via either the proposed Gautrain Samrand Station or the existing Gautrain Midrand Station; a link from the existing Gautrain Sandton Station to Randburg; a metropolitan railway system based on the existing Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa or Metrorail; and a commuter rail network that provides mobility between concentrations of residential and employment areas.
