planning
25 May 2006
Motorists affected by the traffic disruptions along the Gautrain route will
soon have an operator to call when the going gets tough. This will assist in
knowing where the major disruptions are and which routes to avoid daily, said
Gautrain spokesperson Barbara Jensen.
The Initial Works to the Gautrain route started at the beginning of this
week in Sandton and Rosebank. It is with this in mind that the Gautrain project
team has decided to run a toll-free line for affected residents and motorists
for a trial period until next week when it will be fully operational.
The number, 0800 GAUTRAIN, was approved for use last week and will be
operational from today. The number will put the caller through to the Gauteng
Shared Service Centre in Johannesburg, from which an operator will assist with
any queries regarding alternative routes along the Gautrain construction
sites.
Detailed road maps will soon also be available via the Gautrain website
which motorists can use to plan their routes in advance. The maps will be
available from next week for the whole planned duration of the project, which
is estimated at 54 months.
âThis number will enable motorists to phone the call centre en route from
their cars to avoid the affected areas and ensure better traffic flow along the
roads,â said Jensen. The Gautrain Project team including Gauteng Premier
Mbhazima Shilowa and MEC for Finance and Economic Affairs Paul Mashatile
returned from England last week where final arrangements were made about the
design of the speed train. The branding logo and the design will be announced
later this year. Jensen said there was an overwhelming response among the
public in choosing a logo for the Gautrain âMore than 37 000 people
participated in the competition that was run earlier this year. The winners and
the winning logo will be announced once financial agreement had been reached
with Bombela (the preferred bidder for the project),â said Jensen.
Issued by: Gauteng Provincial Government
25 May 2006
