The Economic Impacts of the Gautrain Station at Rhodesfield

Date
2016
Authors
Ndlovu, Edwin
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
University of the Witwatersrand; Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment
Abstract
The provision of reliable public transport systems in South Africa has been met with a number of requirements in which government wants to explore and utilise to its full potential. Planning is an ever-evolving discipline, with new concepts being conceptualised every day, and implemented in order to make cities and people living within this areas to benefit from the city. Transit Oriented Development is not a relatively new concept, as it dates back to the early 1970’s – 80’s, but the notion of using public transportation to enhance the image and economic opportunities of the city have always played a major role throughout the centuries. In South Africa TOD’S are relatively new, with the implementation of the Gautrain project considered the first of its kind. The Gautrain railway system helps to connect the major economic cities of Johannesburg and Pretoria, with that of Sandton and OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA). With the ever-growing congestion experienced in Gauteng’s major highways, a new system of transportation was needed to be implemented to help ease the level of congestion in which Gauteng’s highways have been experiencing. The Gautrain project is also meant to help foster economic growth, both directly and indirectly. In order to see the true value of the impacts it might have on the economy, the Rhodesfield Station was chosen as a study area. A number of critical factors, one being that Rhodesfield houses the only station in Ekurhuleni Municipality (except for ORTIA station), inspired the research. Secondly, the physical characteristics of Rhodesfield as a low-density residential area, and how the station will influence such an area. Thirdly, to add to the ever-growing literature already published and documented on the impacts of the Gautrain stations at varies nodal points. Relatively, businesses tend to settle near to areas in which amply public transportation is located. Ease of access to regional and national roadways, and the location of other major transportation systems all play a factor in helping draw investors (American Public Transportation Association, 2015).
Description
Planning Honours Report 2016, Wits University
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Citation
Ndlovu, Edwin. 2016. The Economic Impacts of the Gautrain Station at Rhodesfield