Inter-city travel between Cape Town and Atlantis can we bridge the gap

Abstract

The emergence and growth of Atlantis to date, as well as the planned development rate until the end of the century, is considered in this article with reference to the policy of deconcentration and industrial growth. As a result of an estimated underperformance of certain types of jobs in Atlantis on the one hand, but on the other hand, due to the normal interaction between adjacent urban complexes, it is expected that healthier transport needs will arise between Atlantis and the Cape Metropolitan Area. Apart from the transport of goods, for which a basic road system already exists and for which a good railway line is envisaged, inter-urban passenger transport, and especially commuter traffic, is expected to undergo particularly robust growth. The expected growth in inter-urban traffic demand and characteristics with regard to distribution of discs and mode distribution is discussed in detail. The impact of passenger transport on the necessary infrastructure between Atlantis and Cape Town and on urban development north of the Cape Metropolitan Area is discussed by comparison between bus and rail transport. An overview is given of the financial implications of bus and rail transport, based on the forecasted traffic application. Finally, we are discussing ways of using the available infrastructure to meet the needs, in the face of a lack of finance.