(Minister Ndebele boarded the Gautrain from Hatfield Station at 8h30 am today, 2 August to the Sandton Station Piazza and back to Hatfield)
On behalf of national government, we welcome the next phase of the Gautrain from Johannesburg to Tshwane, which opened for commercial service only a few hours ago. The Gautrain has ushered in a new era in public transportation, matching world standards for passenger rail transport.
Since the commencement of operations of the airport link in June 2010, approximately three million passengers have used the Gautrain on this link. This is proof of the Gautrain actively meeting government’s objective, in terms of South Africa’s Public Transport Strategy, which requires the active promotion of public transport. The Gautrain project illustrates government’s commitment in this regard.
It also strives to support the priorities of government which are, amongst others, accelerated economic growth as well as development and infrastructure delivery, with emphasis on job creation and black economic empowerment.
With the implementation of the Gautrain, government also strongly considered the improvement of transport, land use coordination and integration of different modes of transport.
Government is making steady progress towards ensuring that rail is the backbone of South Africa’s public transport system. Key elements of its rail investment strategy are already being implemented. As of 1 April 2011, Government is spending R30.2 billion over the next three years for rail upgrades across the country, with R19.5 billion earmarked for capital spending to upgrade existing infrastructure, signalling systems and rolling stock.
The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) is embarking on a bold programme to invest in new rail rolling stock, worth R97 billion over a period of 18 years, for Metrorail and long-distance rail services.
This will significantly improve the country's passenger rail transport network, offering new routes and destinations throughout South Africa.
Government's public transport plans are not a promise for the next millennium. Transport infrastructure over the next two years is guaranteed to radically change the way South Africans travel, due to a multi-billion rand boost by government. Amounting to R66 billion this year (2011/12) and rising to R80 billion by 2013/14, the improvements are set to also create numerous jobs and tourism opportunities.
At Gautrain’s core is a lifestyle change to freedom of mobility, relationship building on a business level and pride in what our nation is capable of doing.
With the operation of the whole Gautrain system in full swing, government embraces this lifestyle change and calls on the public to do the same.
Today, indeed, marks a significant milestone in the history and development of passenger rail transport in South Africa. Today’s historic event also provides a solid platform for cementing the role of rail as the backbone of our public transportation system.
Thank you.
