The City of Cape Town has formally dismissed a proposal to transform the iconic, unfinished Foreshore Freeway Bridge into an elevated railway system. Despite the potential benefits outlined by its proponents, city officials say the ambitious plan simply isn’t feasible.
The idea, championed by Cape Town-based engineer Gareth Ramsay, aimed to repurpose the concrete structure into a modern transport solution that could ease congestion and improve connectivity. Ramsay envisioned a rail line starting at Woodstock, where Cape Town’s metro train lines converge, before rising between the two existing freeway lanes and stopping at key destinations such as the Cape Town International Convention Centre, the stadium, and finally Three Anchor Bay near the V&A Waterfront.
How the Elevated Train Would Work
Unlike traditional trains in the city that run at ground level, this elevated system would soar above traffic, offering a rapid and efficient alternative for daily commuters and event-goers. Ramsay suggested it could transport up to 15,000 passengers per hour and integrate with existing rail infrastructure, using the same blue trains operated by the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa.
Beyond addressing traffic congestion, the proposal aimed to generate long-term revenue by unlocking the value of land earmarked for development in Three Anchor Bay. Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis previously indicated the city could raise around R700 million by selling off this 4.5-hectare parcel, a figure that includes potential income from future rates and taxes. Ramsay argued that such capital could be redirected into completing other infrastructure projects.
City Officials Say It’s Not Feasible
However, city officials have firmly shut down the proposal. Responding to queries from TopAuto, Rob Quintas, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility, confirmed that an elevated railway is not on the table.
“A modern elevated rail system requires significant investment in infrastructure, rolling stock, and operations,” said Quintas. “Given the City’s budget limitations and the need to prioritise cost-effective solutions, funding such a project is not viable.”
Quintas noted that international case studies have shown such systems often require ongoing government subsidies just to remain operational. Integrating an elevated railway with Cape Town’s current transportation network would also demand costly infrastructure changes.
MyCiTi Expansion Takes Priority
Instead, the City is doubling down on its existing public transport strategy. The MyCiTi bus network, a road-based system serving the central business district and Atlantic seaboard, is already in place and expanding. Over the next three years, the City has earmarked R5.6 billion to extend the service to outlying communities like Mitchells Plain, Khayelitsha, Wynberg, and Claremont. This is in addition to a R3.55 billion budget dedicated to road maintenance and congestion relief over the same period.
“Investment in improving existing services is more practical and cost-effective,” Quintas added.
Mixed Reactions to the City’s Land Plans
Despite the proposal’s forward-thinking vision, the elevated rail idea faces other hurdles as well. The City’s plan to develop the Three Anchor Bay land for mixed-use purposes has already sparked political debate, with some advocating for the space to be reserved solely for social housing. Ramsay argued that the rail line could bridge these competing interests by creating inclusive access to the city and redressing historic inequalities.
What This Means for the Future
While the elevated railway might remain a visionary blueprint for now, it has sparked a much-needed conversation around sustainable urban mobility in Cape Town. For the time being, however, the City is focused on maximizing existing resources and expanding proven transport systems, rather than investing in untested, high-cost infrastructure projects.
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