Gautrain expansion plan criticised as passenger numbers decline
The AA warns that the R120b Gautrain expansion is a misstep, in light of falling ridership, and calls for a focus on more effective public transport solutions.
In a recent revelation, Gauteng MEC Lebogang Maile has disclosed that the Gautrain system has experienced a staggering loss of five million passengers over the past four years. This alarming decline should not be overlooked and serves as an urgent reminder of the challenges facing this transport system. The Automobile Association (AA) has long sounded the alarm about the financial futility of the Gautrain and its failure to serve most commuters effectively. Despite these concerns, authorities are pressing ahead with a costly R120b expansion project, seemingly ignoring the critical transport needs of the province’s residents.
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While Maile touts the promise of 125 000 jobs stemming from the expansion, this figure raises a pressing question: at what expense? Sustainable job creation ought to come from investments that genuinely benefit the majority of South Africans, not from pouring billions into a system that is witnessing a steady loss of patrons. Such a strategy appears increasingly short-sighted.
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Instead of proceeding with an expansion that many view as misguided, the government should consider redirecting funds towards initiatives that meet the actual needs of the people. One essential area for improvement is the maintenance and upgrade of road infrastructure, which, aside from being a financial burden on motorists, exacerbates traffic congestion. Additionally, enhancing bus and taxi services is crucial for providing a reliable public transport option, as these modes are indispensable to the daily lives of most South Africans. The Gautrain, in its current state, remains an elitist service, leaving the majority of commuters without viable transport alternatives.
From the outset, the AA has cautioned against this expansion, and the recent drop in ridership, coupled with rising operational costs, serves as a clear indication that these warnings were warranted.
It is time for authorities to re-evaluate their transport priorities and focus on practical solutions that genuinely uplift the lives of all South Africans, rather than perpetuating a system that benefits only a select few. The AA strongly advocates for a transport strategy that champions inclusivity, and effectively addresses the needs of the entire population.
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