As more people want to live in the suburbs more urban sprawl is created. Rapid urbanisation and its associated environmental impact are posing serious challenges for South African planners and environmentalists.
Up to 16 000 ha of farmland is lost to urban development each year. Low-density urban sprawl and the rapid growth of informal settlements contribute to increasing competition between urban land-users for diminishing space and resources.
When travelling to the city for work or leisure, families take longer journeys by car. Traffic congestion and carbon dioxide omissions increase as a result of urban sprawl. Household transport costs also become more expensive in areas with urban sprawl.
The preservation of green areas along residential borders is also an important element in city planning.
Yet efficient public transport such as Gautrain impacts positively on spatial development whereby high-density areas are developed along the route.
A rail network such as Gautrain also takes up less space than would be the case if existing road surface was simply increased. High-density, mixed-mode developments are preferred to uncontrolled urban sprawl. These developments have already started to take place along Gautrain’s route.
Construction Update
- CONSTRUCTION UPDATE – JUNE AND JULY August 26, 2011A) CONSTRUCTION COMPLETION AND THE START OF PHASE 2 OPERATIONS On 02 August 2011 the second phase of the Gautrain System – the route linking Rosebank Station in Johannesburg to Hatfield Station in Tshwane – was opened for commercial service. This follows the initial launch of Gautrain services on 08 June 2010, just three days […]
Newsroom
- Gautrain is the proud transport partner for the 2012 SAAF Airshow May 10, 2012
- Gautrain Media Release – 25 April 2012 April 25, 2012
- SHOOTING OF GAUTRAIN BUS DRIVER CONDEMNED March 19, 2012
- February 2012 bus strike reimbursement procedure February 20, 2012
