Concept 3D graphics of an artists impression of the proposed Gautrain

Online Find out more from the project's web site. RELATED LINKS: Gautrain 'still on track' GAUTENG MECs throw their weight behind the Gautrain project after its increased costs bring it under fire. Read more Gautrain will cost R20bn THE Gautrain is expected to cost R20-billion, nearly three times the 2002 sum of R7-billion. Finance Minister Trevor Manuel confirmed the new figure, an increase of more than 70 percent, in parliament this week. Read more Gauteng's bullet train gamble THE highway between Johannesburg and Pretoria is the busiest in the southern hemisphere, carrying 300 000 passengers each week day between the country's commercial heart and its administrative capital. Read more

Gautrain gets go-ahead from govt THE Gautrain rapid rail link is all set to go following a cabinet decision this week giving the project the green light. December 8, 2005 By Ndaba Dlamini CABINET has given the Gautrain the nod after considering a detailed presentation on the R20-billion rapid rail link project. The 80km rapid rail link will run between Johannesburg, Tshwane and the Johannesburg International Airport and is expected to ease heavy congestion on the Ben Schoeman Highway between Johannesburg and Tshwane. "National government wishes to reiterate its support for the project, including matters such as an integrated ticketing system; inclusive feeder network comprising buses, taxis and rail; and where possible, integration of Gautrain with Metrorail," said government spokesperson, Joel Netshitenzhe in a statement on Thursday 8 December. Questions were raised in parliament about the Gautrain's viability and cost. Permission to build the train had to be obtained from the national government, as it would be supplying a fair percentage of the finance. Netshitenzhe said it should be noted that while mass transit and integrated systems should form part of the overall objectives of the project, "some of these objectives will not be achieved immediately". He added that consultations should continue with the aim of ensuring that the implementation of the project starts within the timeframes already set. The Bombela Consortium, which was awarded the bid in July, is expected to start construction early in 2006. Permission to use web site material Publishers may use material from this site free of charge, as long as: Credit is given to either the "City of Johannesburg website (www.joburg.org.za)" or to "Johannesburg News Agency (www.joburg.org.za)"; If the article is used online, a link is provided to the original article on this website; The name of the article's author is acknowledged; The webmaster is informed of how and where the material is used (fill in this brief online form). Johannesburg News Agency is operated by BIG Media at 011-484-1400 Print this Page E-mail this article to a friend Help using Joburg.org.za