A question we hear often from members is: "What's happened to the Skytram?" Quite a lot, as it turns out, starting with the name. The developers have rebranded it the Franschhoek Cableway, apparently believing a fresh name will shift public sentiment. Whether it will is another matter.

The public participation process closed in March 2024, and since then Doug Jeffery Environmental Consultants and the developer's other appointed consultants have been working through the substantial volume of public comment received. At a meeting with the developer's representative, Justin Truter, in October 2025, the FHRPA was advised that several significant changes to the original proposal are under consideration:

• Traffic : A possible bypass road is being explored, with Robertsvlei Road a candidate for tarring.
• Parking : A Park & Ride facility is under investigation, with sites near the Monument and La Motte mentioned as possibilities.
• Environmental : The mountain base station footprint is to be reduced, and specialists are conducting further environmental impact studies. The upper station may incorporate a UNESCO Man & Biosphere Centre.
• Community Contribution : 2% of gross ticket sales could be directed to community projects.
• Employment : The initial figure of 37 jobs has more than doubled, though no further detail of the nature of the jobs was provided.
• Visitor Numbers : A higher ticket price is being proposed as a mechanism to bring daily visitor numbers down from the 3,000 figure that drew such concern.
• Top Station : The upper station may be scaled back: smaller, without a paragliding deck, and positioned as a high-end destination.

Truter indicated that a revised Basic Assessment Report (BAR) would be released for public comment by mid-2026, which is now upon us. The FHRPA will notify members via our WhatsApp group the moment the documents become available.

When they do, our response window will be tight and the volume of material substantial. If you have relevant skills and capacity to assist - whether in environmental, legal, planning, or related fields - we would love to hear from you. Get in touch at files@fhrpa.co.za.