The French high-speed train is called TGV and as far as I know successfull at several national routesdestinations only – from Paris to South of France is very popular, Paris to Euro Disney was cancelled.

In Holland a new track(!) is built, hooking up Paris-Brussels-Antwerp to Amsterdam.

Speaking of an infrastructural disaster, watch that project. Massive environmental impact, years of traffic jams as the new track is built next to a major 8 lane artery, budget increases, delays of final delivery, skirmishes with France (which will exploit the trains).

To top it off, constant questionsworries whether it will ever become economically viable – flying will most likely become even cheaper because of more liberalisation (at present one way tickets for R 200,00 within Europe) and will be faster (no stops), whereas the train tickets will be more expensive for sure (and will keep increasing as it is government opearated).

Not sure about the Gautrain – I would guess a metromini traintram would suit (instead of 180kmh) and buses, yes.

But SA doesn't need a high speed train (for which passengers at what fares?) – let's hope more airlines will be able to compete in the future, so prices can come down.