Franschhoek tram project steams ahead
A multimillion-rand tram project that will transport tourists along the wine route, stopping at various vineyards and restaurants, is on the cards for Franschhoek.
Punted as an “icon” for the picturesque valley, known for its wines and world-class restaurants, the tram will travel along an old 28km railway line to Paarl that is no longer in use.
The project is the brainchild of Franschhoek businessman Dave Blyth and his son Sean, a locomotive enthusiast.
They were in negotiations with Transnet for several years and signed a long-term lease at the end of last year.
“The project is attracting a lot of positive attention,” said Blyth, the general manager of the Franschhoek Valley Wine Tram.
“Our aim is to create a tourism icon here in Franschhoek on a par with the Table Mountain Cableway or the Cape Point funicular. We want the tram to become synonymous with Franschhoek and wine tasting.”
An initial R10 million injection will be made into the project, which will include the buying of the trams, fixing the line, marketing and project development cost.
He said two historic 1930s trams, costing R2.5m each and imported from Australia, would operate on the line. The first tram would start running late this year.
Full story on iolproperty.co.za
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