Gauteng SDI Rail Link - Gautrain

62. BACKGROUND INFORMATION2.1 PREVIOUS PROVINCIAL STUDIESA number of previous studies emphasised the need for this corridor betweenPretoria and Johannesburg to have an effective mass transportation system.The original PWV-Transportation Study done during the mid seventies,planned route K73, a major north-south arterial route to the west of BenSchoeman (N1), to be suitable for a possible future rail line. In the earlynineties the Vectura Study highlighted this corridor as one of the ten mostimportant provincial transport corridors in Gauteng.The Gauteng Toll Road Strategy also refers to the need for public transport inthis corridor. The intention is that public transport will augment the additionalroad capacity, and will ensure that Gauteng develops to its full potential2.2 EVENTS LEADING TO THE PROJECTFor the past few years the Johannesburg – Pretoria corridor, and to a lesserextent the corridor to the Johannesburg International Airport, has been thefastest growing development area in South Africa. It has assisted Gauteng togrow economically faster than the other provinces. It clearly demonstrates theinteraction between transport capacity, accessibility and mobility – on the onehand – and, land-use and economic development – on the other hand.However, recently two observations became very evident:(a) Although many companies have located in the corridor and the area underconsideration, the area is not adequately served with public transport forthe people who cannot afford cars or private transport.(b) The increasing road traffic congestion is acting as a limitation to furtherdevelopment, and may soon start to strangle the development rate.The Gauteng Cabinet recently adopted a toll road strategy. This wouldprovide part of the road capacity required. Notwithstanding this, thepromotion of public transport in this corridor, and also the need to ensure thatGauteng SDI Rail Link – Inception Report, 15 June 2000