Gauteng SDI Rail Link - Gautrain

30The proposed methodology for network and route alignment, as discussed inthe study design, provides for a process whereby approximately three to sixpossible alternatives will be identified and taken through an evaluationprocess. One or two final networks/routes will then be proposed by the end ofAugust, in order to undertake the more detail planning and analysis on them.The following aspects will be of importance in the route/networkdetermination.• First indications are that the broad corridor between Pretoria andJohannesburg, within which alternative alignments will be investigated, willmost probably have as western boundary the Ben Schoeman N1 Freewayand as eastern boundary the existing railway line. The MabopaneCenturion Development Corridor and the K73 route, which has one of thebest vertical alignments, are both to the west of Ben Schoeman and allindications are that they will not generate enough passengers to make theSDI Rail Link feasible. A further rough evaluation will, however, be doneon them before a final decision is taken.• A link to the Sandton CBD area has been specifically identified as animportant market for the rail link.• Where possible existing road and rail corridors will be utilised.• The concept of providing a “backbone system” onto which secondary linesand spurs can be attached would be investigated further.• Even though the intention is to have stations at the largest passengergenerators along the line, proprietary feeder distributor systems at thestations, acting as modal integration transfer stations, are considered anessential part of the main line-haul system.• The possibility of accommodating multiple type services on the main linewill be investigated. This would, for example include express trains notstopping at all stations, with other trains stopping at all stations. It will alsobe investigated whether such an approach would make further secondarystations possible.• At Johannesburg International Airport, the Airports Company of SouthAfrica (ACSA), will be consulted as to how the SDI Rail Link can beintegrated with the development of the airport, also whether it would link toGauteng SDI Rail Link – Inception Report, 15 June 2000