Local sources in South Africa have announced that the Gauteng Provincial Government has appointed a consortium formed by SMEC South Africa, DLA Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr and Deloitte to conduct the feasibility study for the expansion of the Gautrain rail system.

The study will analyze potential PPP funding options to make the project viable.

Gauteng representative for Roads and Transport Mr. Ismail Vadi said:

The purpose of the Feasibility study is to inform the decision to proceed with the Gautrain extensions and the preferred routes that should be developed. This should be based on a number of benefits such as the transformational impact on the Gauteng economy; the modernisation of public transport; passenger access and mobility; improved spatial development; environmental impact, and other benefits such as job creation and poverty alleviation.

The study will allow the Gautrain Management Agency to weigh up the benefits against the costs of the different alternatives.

According to sources the current average weekday usage of the Gautrain varies between 54 000 and 56 000 train passengers and about 21 000 bus passengers.

The proposed project follows the recently completed Gauteng 25-Year Integrated Transport Master Plan (ITMP25). ITMP25 is to enable the Department of Roads and Transport to regulate, plan and develop an efficient and well integrated transport system that serves the public interest by enhancing mobility and delivering safe, secure and environmentally responsible road based public- and private transport and air and rail services.