Hatfield Gautreinstasie

Abstract

As in most countries rail transport was the most important means of conveyance in South Africa. It was a logical step because the country (and the world) was heavily burdened by economic depressions, wars and natural disasters. The motorcar industry was in its infancy and motorcar ownership only allotted for the rich. From 1960 until 1980 private motor vehicle ownership flourished, and rail transport as most important public means of transportation moved to the background. Economic prosperity lead to every middleclass family owning an average of two cars per family, and as result of the socio-political changes in South Africa private car ownership almost doubled overnight. Urban roads can not handle this increase in traffic. Alternative means of transport must, as in the rest of the world, be investigated and implemented. Rail transport is presently the most cost effective alternative and it will likely experience a Renaissance as in the rest of the world. This thesis focuses on facilitating the movement of people. Its aim is not to solve the transport problems, but rather to address the possibilities that would lead to an improved environment within the context of public transport. The idea is that the proposed design for the new Gautrain station and accompanying intermodal exchange would serve as catalyst for urban renewal within Hatfield.