Gauteng SDI Rail Link - Gautrain

32But then the Rail Link owner/manager must be able to control some of thedevelopment or the process. The well-known example of excellent valuecapture at rail stations is Hong Kong. Very few other rail systems have beenable to achieve the same value capture as Hong Kong. Therefore, althoughvalue capture at stations would be an objective, it is realised that it has itslimitations.Station location would primarily be determined by existing development, orfinally decided upon and committed new development. Patronage must beproven to ensure bankability of a project like this.The station location and development will also provide an important interfacewith the local authority. They would have to be fully involved in the location ofstations and the development concept at and around the stations. Matterslike the rezoning of land at and around the stations, as well as the possibilityof bulk service contributions allocated to the station development, must beinvestigated at each station.Depending on whether a station is located at or next to an existingdevelopment, or at an approved new development, would determine whetherthere would be developable land, which can be controlled by the project.Ownership and/or partnerships of development would have to be considered.The legal implications for government to get involved in such developmentwould have to be investigated. The possibility of having the developer fundingor providing the station should also be investigated as the station would havedirect advantages for the development its located at.Value capture on the trip itself, such as baggage book-in, or through servicesprovided at stations (e.g. parking) will also be investigated. The stationdesign is therefore also important.Although it will not affect the direct bankability of the project, the longer termpolicy of government regarding the land use in the areas surrounding stationsare very important for the longer term success of the project. Densification atnodes (and corridors) is essential for increased usage of public transport andthe economic and financial feasibility of public transport projects.Gauteng SDI Rail Link – Inception Report, 15 June 2000