The remainder of the 80km standard-gauge network will be operational by
mid-2011, with the opening of the 63km line from Johannesburg Park to
Pretoria and Hatfield. The network is expected to carry around 100,000
passengers per day.
mid-2011, with the opening of the 63km line from Johannesburg Park to
Pretoria and Hatfield. The network is expected to carry around 100,000
passengers per day.
The Rand 25 billion ($US 3.4 billion) public-private partnership
project is being delivered by the Bombela consortium, which is led by
Bombardier, Bouygues, Murray & Roberts, Strategic Partners Group,
and RATP Development. Bombela has 4.5-year concession to build the
network and will maintain Gautrain for 15 years.
As well as providing a fast link between central Johannesburg and the
city's main airport, Gautrain is intended to relieve chronic congestion
on the Ben Schoeman highway between Johannesburg and Pretoria. The 40km
journey between the two cities can currently take up to three hours by
road.
