Essay
TRL4862 ASSIGNMENT 4 2023
- Course
- TRL4862 (TRL4862)
- Institution
- University Of South Africa (Unisa)
TRL4862 ASSIGNMENT 4 2023 (UN)
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Question 11.1 Referring to the above article, in less than 450 words, critical analyses the
article, create academic argument and advise your lecturer on why you think the
new Gautrain route should be scrapped or expanded. Amongst other stated
things on the article, your discussion should also include the pros and cons of
the opinion you would have discussed (25)
The Gautrain is a rapid transit railway system that operates in Gauteng province,
South Africa, connecting Johannesburg, Pretoria, and OR Tambo International Airport.
The Gautrain system was established with the aim of providing a faster, more efficient
mode of transportation, reducing traffic congestion, and promoting economic growth
in the region.
However, the article argues that the Gautrain has not lived up to its promises and has
not had a positive impact on the economy. The expansion plans for the Gautrain
system have been criticized by the Automobile Association (AA) of South Africa as
being a poor financial decision that allocates funds to a failing system. The AA argues
that the Gautrain perpetuates a system that caters to a minority of citizens while
costing Gauteng taxpayers billions of rands to prop up through the so-called Patronage
Guarantee which compensates the system for low ridership levels.
The Gautrain system has been heavily subsidized by the Gauteng Provincial
Government since it began operations in 2010. According to the article, Gauteng
taxpayers have funded the shortfall of riders on the Gautrain by close to R13 billion
since 2013. Additionally, the Gautrain Management Agency (GMA) paid the Bombela
Concession Company, a privately-owned entity, a patronage guarantee of R2 billion in
2021 and R1.9 billion in 2020.
The AA argues that spending billions of rands on a system that caters for a minority
and which pays vast amounts of public money to a private entity is neither responsible
nor prudent. The AA notes that less money is available in Gauteng for transport
projects that can cater for the majority of citizens who do not have access to the
Gautrain. This, in turn, undermines the government's stated goal of ensuring fiscal
responsibility and has huge financial implications for all citizens of the province.
, Furthermore, the Gautrain system serves people who already have transport options,
as evidenced by the large parking infrastructure at Gautrain stations. This raises
questions about the effectiveness of the Gautrain system in reducing traffic congestion
and promoting economic growth in the region.
The Automobile Association (AA) of South Africa has called for the expansion of the
Gautrain railway system to be rejected due to the cost to taxpayers and the lack of
benefits for the majority of citizens. The AA stated that taxpayers have funded the
shortfall of riders on the Gautrain by close to R13bn since 2013 and that less money
is available for transport projects that can cater to the majority of citizens who do not
have access to the Gautrain.
In conclusion, the Gautrain system has had a mixed impact on the economy in which
it operates. While it has provided a faster, more efficient mode of transportation for
some citizens, it has also been heavily subsidized by taxpayers and has failed to live
up to its promises of reducing traffic congestion and promoting economic growth in the
region.
1.2 Transportation can play a vital role in all spheres of the economy. Based on
the article above, critically discuss on how did the Gautrain operation impact
the economy in which it operates in? Further research is encouraged (25)
The Gautrain is a rapid transit railway system that operates in Gauteng province,
South Africa, linking Johannesburg, Pretoria, and O.R. Tambo International Airport.
Since its launch in 2010, the Gautrain has had a significant impact on the economy of
Gauteng province, as well as the country as a whole.
One of the most significant impacts of the Gautrain on the economy has been its
contribution to job creation. According to the Gautrain Management Agency, the
construction of the Gautrain created more than 100,000 direct and indirect jobs.
Additionally, the ongoing operation and maintenance of the Gautrain have created
thousands of permanent jobs. This has helped to reduce the unemployment rate in
Gauteng province, which has traditionally been one of the highest in the country.
Another key economic impact of the Gautrain has been its role in improving the
transportation infrastructure of Gauteng province. The Gautrain has helped to alleviate
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