South Africa has grown immensely as a country over the last few years. With the opportunity and completion of hosting the World Cup, they have successfully altered their nation for the better. While it remains to be seen exactly what kind of revenue the country will receive post-tournament, the re-building and additions to the infrastructure will benefit the country for years to come.
Like most countries around the world, South Africa offers public transportation in the form of buses, planes, and trains. The infrastructure was in a pretty poor state prior to the World Cup and badly in need of an overhaul. By investing a few billion dollars, they have been able to turn this image around and create a better working country.
While the stadiums built for the World Cup are something to behold, the vast amounts of money offered up by FIFA and South Africa itself went to more than that. New roads, bus networks, and railway stations were built in conjunction with hotels and airport terminals. This is the positive legacy the tournament will eventually leave on a country more known for it’s struggling poverty and crime than wonderful transportation.
While the railways in and around South Africa definitely received an overhaul, they are still becoming the less popular choice for travel around the country. This is mainly due to the increasing coverage provided by the nation’s new highway structure. The bulk of the railroads now rely on commuters, who use the rail for their daily commute, to continue to stay in business. It is currently estimated that 35% of the nation’s track carries little or no activity. Due to this, the railroads are looking increasingly to freight trains rather than passenger trains to maintain the rail system and its profitability.
South Africa also boasts a very specialized luxury train service for tourists. The Rovos Rail and The Blue Train lines offer luxury rail travel across South Africa and beyond. They offer full service suites and the opulence of pre-war travel coupled with modern innovations. For those looking for adventure, these luxury rail lines offer trips for Safaris, golf excursions, and just general sightseeing. It may be an outdated travel option, but can still offer fun and excitement for those looking for something a little different.
Because of the infrastructure and road development before and during the World Cup, the railways will be used less and less. As highways continue to stretch between each major city and more and more cars appear on the road, the rail system may become an antiquated way of the past. That being said, the many improvements to the rail could also see a new surge in its use for years to come.
Guest post by Sarah Neilson a writer for Online MBA where you can browse the top online MBA rankings.
Blogger Muzi Mohale
I’m Muzi Mohale, based in Roodepoort (South Africa). Blogger with www.travelwires.com. Love Travelwires.com since I get to travel our beautiful country through blogging and get first hand tourism experience.
Touring South Africa by train can be a pleasant and relaxing way to enjoy our beautiful country and is not limited to the luxury Blue Train and Rovos rail. The premier classe Shosholoza Meyl train service that runs between the major citiesa more affordable but no less enjoyable option.
Perhaps we need to do more to promote these tourism options.
Many of our more adventurous guests have been making using of the Shosholoza Meyl from Pta/Jhb to get away for a weekend in Waterval Boven (the old sleepy railway town in Mpumalanga). The recent response was that security measures were impressively in place. Once in Waterval Boven, you are close to things to do and one can easily get around on foot or bicycle.
i think its price