The Gautrain system is a state-of-the-art rapid rail network in Gauteng, managed by the Gautrain Management Agency as part of the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport. Conceived as part of Blue IQ projects, the rail system is expected to be fully operational from 1 July 2011.
Blue IQ is a multi-billion rand initiative aimed at developing economic infrastructure for specific major projects in smart industries, high value-added manufacturing and tourism in the province. It is a partnership between business and government and serves as a vehicle to promote strategic private sector investment in key growth sectors of the Gauteng economy.
The Gautrain project has rail connections comprising two links, between Pretoria and Johannesburg as well as between OR Tambo International Airport and Sandton. There are three anchor stations and seven other stations linked by approximately 80 kilometres of rail. Anchor stations are located at the OR Tambo International Airport; Pretoria and Johannesburg. The other stations are situated at Rosebank; Sandton; Marlboro; Midrand; Centurion; Hatfield; and Rhodesfield in Kempton Park.
This modern train will offer international standards of public transport with high levels of safety, reliability, predictability and comfort. Travelling at maximum speeds of 160 to 180 kilometers per hour, the Gautrain will reach Pretoria from Johannesburg in less than 40 minutes. The minimum frequency between Johannesburg and Pretoria will be six trains per hour per direction and will operate for approximately 18 hours a day.
This service will also include a dedicated, exclusive bus service to transport passengers to and from stations. A dedicated service for air passengers between OR Tambo International Airport and Sandton will also be operational. This purpose-designed service brings Gauteng in line with global practice which links cities by rail to international airports. A trip on this service will take less than 15 minutes.
Passengers' safety and security has also been extended to include the station precinct and vehicle parking areas.
The project seeks to offer a cost-effective, efficient, environmentally friendly and safe solution to public transport problems in Gauteng. It also forms part of a longer-term vision, which includes a commitment to promote the creation of a new culture of public transport usage.
Source: Gauteng Roads and Transport
