Franschhoek tram on the way
2010-03-25
Sieb Sieberhagen
THE green light that was given to the Franschhoek Tram Initiative will not only create a Western Cape tourist ‘icon’ in the Franschhoek and Drakenstein Valley, but will give many opportunities to communities and farms on this “new” tourist route between Franschhoek and Paarl. All is set for the tram service between Paarl and Franschhoek, utilising the railway line, from October as the decision on which trams will be used, is in the final stages. In the first phase one tram, which can accommodate 50 passengers, will be imported from Australia. The next one will follow soon. “The ideal is that the tram will operate from the old Franschhoek Station to the Paarl Station. There is also a possibility that a steam train from Cape Town will link up with the tram at the Paarl station. This will significantly increase tourism to the valley,” said David Blyth, general manager of the Franschhoek Valley Wine Tram. “At this stage 12 stops have already being identified along the 28 km railway where employment, skills development and entrepreneurial opportunities can benefit. “Although the railway line is no longer in use, we have already established that the line is in a very good condition. The long-term lease was signed with Transnet at the end of last year.” This R10 million tram project, the brainchild of Sean Blyth, a locomotive enthusiast and supported by his father, Franschhoek businessman, Dave Blyth, will generate 15 permanent jobs in phase one that will increase to more jobs at a later stage. “The project has attrackted a lot of positive attention, from entrepreneurs, farmers and the Western Cape government. Western Cape Finance, Economic Development and Tourism MEC, Alan Winde, said he offered his full support to this project, which gives tourists another excellent reason to visit the area. “Our aim is to create a tourism icon here in Franschhoek on par with the Table Mountain Cableway or the Cape Point funicular. We want the tram to become synonymous with Franschhoek and wine tasting,” he added. Two historic 1930s trams, costing R2,5m each and imported from Australia, will operate on the line. The trams can travel up to 45km/h and the trams will pass each stop every hour. A ticket would entitle each passenger to use the tram all day. Disabled people will also have easy excess to the tram. The trams would be fitted with a communication system and there would be an audio tour on the trip similar to those used at Alcatraz in San Francisco and the Empire State Building in New York. “There would be flagmen at each major road crossing and road signs warning of tram operations will be put up. “We are very sensitive to any potential negative impact of noise and pollution on the valley and since the line is not electrified, our plan is to utilise low-emission biodiesel-electric propulsion and in so doing reduce the overall impact of the tram service on the operating environment. “The tram will provide tourists with another safe method of travel that prevents them from driving between wine tasting venues and with the direct communication on board we can be the eyes and ears to play a major role in safety and security,” he said. The investors are South African and local to Franschhoek . For more details, write to frantra@telkomsa.net.
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