Overview of Gautrain services
Gautrain currently offers two distinct train services: an Airport Service linking Sandton and Marlboro to the O.R.Tambo International Airport
and a Commuter Service
linking Rhodesfield, Marlboro, and Sandton (east-west link) and Park, Rosebank, Sandton, Midrand, Centurion, Pretoria Central and Hatfield
(north-south link).
All stations with the exception of the Airport station have integrated car parking facilities.
The Gautrain bus fleet currently operates on 25 routes.
Fare Information
Gautrain offers two distinct train services: an Airport Service and a Commuter Service.
Please
click here to view the fare table
Children under the age of three travel free.
Gautrain's bus and parking facilities are provided primarily to benefit train users. Therefore, if you catch the train and also catch a
Gautrain bus within the same journey, the bus fare will be R6 within one hour of another. However, if you catch a Gautrain bus and do not
combine your bus trip
with a train trip, the bus trip will cost you R20.
Timetable Information
The bus and train services operate daily between 05h30 and 20h30.
During the weekdays, during peak times (between 05h30 and 08h30 and again between 16h00 and 19h00) the trains and buses run every 12 minutes.
At off-peak times, the trains and buses run every 20 minutes.
On weekends and public holidays the trains run every 30 minutes.
Please understand that bus trip times will vary depending on road traffic conditions.
How to use Gautrain services
Gautrain's train, bus and parking services are all fully integrated and may be accessed separately or jointly by means of a contactless smart card – your Gautrain Gold Card.
The system requires you to tag-in when you enter and then tag-out when you leave so that it can automatically deduct the correct fare for whatever service you have used. If you fail to tag-in or –out, penalty fares may apply.
-
How to use and pay for parking
On entering one of our parking facilities, please take a paper ticket from the parking gate if you are a first time user or, if you already have a Gautrain Gold Card, simply hold your Gold Card to the place indicated on the parking gate. The boom will open and you can drive in.
Remember that if you now wish to use a train, you must have a Gold Card. You can buy one at any station ticket vending machine or ticket office.
Remember also that, if you park and don't use the train, you will pay a premium parking fare.
Once you've completed your journey and want to exit the parking:
- Firstly, please ensure that you have sufficient pay as you go value on your Gold Card in order to pay for your parking stay.
- If you received a paper ticket on entry and then bought a Gold Card before exiting; simply insert your paper ticket into the parking gate at the exit boom and hold your Gold Card to the place indicated on the parking gate. The system will automatically deduct the correct fare from your Gold Card, the boom will open and you can proceed.
- If you already had a Gold Card when you entered the parking and didn't get a paper ticket, simply hold the same Gold Card that you used to enter with to the place indicated on the fare gate. The system will automatically deduct the correct fare from your Gold Card, the boom will open and you can proceed.
- If you received a paper ticket on entry and did not buy a Gold Card to board a train, please take your paper ticket to the station ticket office for payment before exiting.
Once you have a Gold Card, just ensure that you keep it topped up with value and you will never need to bother with a paper ticket again.
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How to use the train service
Trains are only accessible by tagging into the system at a fare gate using your Gautrain Gold Card.
Each individual passenger must have their own Gold Card.
Touch your Gold Card to the ticket reader on the fare gate. A green light and a beep will indicate validation and the glass barrier will open allowing you to proceed.
Only one person at a time may pass through the fare gate: moms and dads please help your little ones to understand this. If they do not validate their gold cards properly by tagging in, the system will not register their entry and will later refuse to let them out. Also, the fare gate will start to close if they have not tagged through correctly – do not let them run or dawdle through as they may get hurt.
Now you're safely on the platform; check-out the electronic displays for train arrival times. Don't go too near the edge and do be aware of your personal belongings.
Once you've arrived at your destination station, please proceed to the fare gates and be sure to tag out. If you fail to tag-out, the system may not register your train journey and you may end up paying the premium parking rate or even a penalty fare.
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How to use the bus service
Cash is not accepted on the buses so you will need a Gautrain Gold Card to access the buses. One is required per passenger.
Simply touch your gold card to the ticket reader at the entrance of the bus to tag-in. A beep sound will indicate validation and you can proceed.
No tag-out is required from the buses. Please remember to take your goodies with you.
The Gautrain bus service
The Gautrain bus service currently provides safe, comfortable and reliable passage on 25 routes from Park, Rosebank, Sandton, Rhodesfield, Midrand, Centurion, Pretoria Central and Hatfield stations and one route from Rhodesfield station.
More routes will be added in future.
Cash is not accepted on the buses so you will need a Gautrain Gold Card with at least R20 available on it to access the buses.
All of our buses are air-conditioned and every second bus is equipped with a ramp for easy wheel chair access.
All buses are satellite tracked for your safety and security.
The bus schedules are designed to match the train timetables as closely as possible. Please understand however that bus trip times will vary depending on road traffic conditions.
If you are at a Gautrain bus stop and would like to enquire about the position of any bus on any route please phone 010 223 1098
Gautrain parking facilities and costs
Safe parking facilities are provided at all Gautrain stations except for OR Tambo International Airport.
Car parks open at 05h00 and close at 21h00 daily. You can leave your car overnight, but it will not be accessible to you after hours.
The first 15 minutes of parking is free – please use the designated drop-off areas.
Gautrain's parking facilities are provided primarily to benefit train users
- If you park (at any station) and also catch the train, the parking fee is R10 for the first 24 hours or part thereof.
- If you park and also catch a train to any station other than the airport, the parking fee is R10 for the first 24 hours or part thereof.
- If you park and don't use the train, however, you will pay R80 at any station for the first 24 hours or part thereof.
Which train routes are operational?
The train service provides fast, safe and reliable passage on the following routes:
|
North-South Commuter
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To be announced
|
|
East-West Commuter
|
All trains stop at every station. Use rear two coaches only.
|
|
Airport
|
This service is exclusively provided from Sandton and Marlboro stations. Use front two coaches
only.
|
Does the Gautrain run underground?
Yes, the underground section of Gautrain is 15km long, stretching from Johannesburg
Park Station to just before Marlboro Station. It includes three underground stations:
Johannesburg Park Station, Rosebank Station and Sandton Station. At its deepest,
the tunnel reaches a depth of over 25 stories.
When will the Gautrain be complete?
2011.
Does the Gautrain operate 24 hours per day?
No. Please
click here to view the operating hours
of the train, bus and parking services. Please note you will not be able to remove your vehicle after the station closes.
How will I know if a service is disrupted?
Service status will be indicated by the following:
- Live feed on the home page of this website
- Passenger announcements at the stations
- Electronic displays and passenger signage at the stations
- Live updates from Twitter and Facebook, please sign up
You can also call 0800 GAUTRAIN for service updates.
What is a contactless smart card?
Gautrain's train, bus and parking services are fully integrated and may be used
separately or jointly by transferring from one to another. These services are all
accessed by means of a contactless smart card: your Gautrain Gold Card.
Where can I purchase a Gautrain Gold Card?
Gautrain Gold Cards may be purchased (or topped-up) at any ticket office or ticket vending machine at any Gautrain station. These outlets accept cash as well as credit and debit cards. Pre-loaded Gold Cards can also be purchased at the following retail outlets:
- Caltex Omega Motors - 562 Andries Street, Berea, Pretoria
- Engen Minties- Cnr. Visagie & Bosman Streets, Pretoria
- The Fields Spar, The Fields Shopping Centre - Shop 1, Cnr. Hilda & Burnette Street, Hatfield, Pretoria
- Varsity Bakery - 293 Lynnwood Road, Menlo Park, Pretoria
- Afro Heritage Business Centre - 225 Hamilton Street, Arcadia, Pretoria
- Queenswood Superspar - Cnr Stead Avenue & Soutpansberg Road, Queenswood, Pretoria
- Spar Centurion - CnrJohn Foster & Logan Avenue, Highveld, Centurion
- Shell Amberfield Motors - Cnr Rooihuiskraal & Reddersburg Road, Wierda Park North, Centurion
- Super Spar Wierda Park - 402 Theuns van Niekerk Street, Wierda Park, Pretoria
- Spar Centurion - Cnr John Foster & Logan Avenue, Highveld, Centurion
- Carlswald Spar - Cnr Lever & New Road, Randjiespark, Midrand
- Spar Noordwyk - Cnr Lever & Olifantsfontein Road, Noordwyk, Midrand
- Sunninghill SuperSpar - Cnr Maxwell Drive & Edison Street, Sunninghill, Johannesburg
- Europa Express Melrose - Cnr Crescent & High Street, Melrose, Johannesburg
- Rivonia Friendly 7/11 - Cnr 7th Avenue & Rivonia Road, Sandton, Johannesburg
- Total William Nicol - 149 William Nicol Drive, Sandton, Johannesburg
- Spar Pineslopes - Cnr The Straight & Witkoppen Road, Fourways, Johannesburg
- Zenex Twin Palms - 14 Kempton Road, Kempton Park, Johannesburg
Your Gautrain Gold Card enables you to load a variety of different journey products,
ranging from single pay-as-you-go trips to 7-day passes and 35-day passes, onto the same card and to re-use this
card over and over again. You can use the same Gold Card for up to five years. Remember that there is a
once-off fee of R10 when you purchase your Gold Card.
How do I know how much to load onto my Gautrain Gold Card?
Your Gautrain Gold Card enables you to load a variety of different journey products,
ranging from single trips to 7-day passes and 35-day passes, onto the same card and to re-use this
card over and over again. Please
click here to access fare
information or enquire at any station ticket office or ticket vending machine.
What do I do if I lose my Gautrain Gold Card?
Lost or stolen cards can be reported at the nearest Gautrain ticket office. Passengers
will be able to register their cards with us where we will be able to blacklist
the card to prevent it from being used by anyone else. Please click here to
register your card, which you may collect at your convenience at any of our stations.
How do I get to the Gautrain?
Please
click here to access information about the Gautrain
stations and their respective bus routes.
How does the Gautrain facilitate disabled passengers?
Gautrain cares for the disabled: wheelchair access is provided to all trains, buses,
stations, toilets, lifts, fare gates, ticket offices and ticket vending machines.
The Gautrain system also has facilities to assist blind and partially sighted people
as well as people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
What type of train is the Gautrain?
The Gautrain is based on the tried and tested Electrostar train-set already in common
service in the UK. In South Africa, they will be formed into four-car sets to carry
up to 450 or eight-car sets to carry 900 passengers per train, and will run at up to 160km/h (100mph). Traction
power consists of 25kV AC supplied through overhead catenaries.
The fleet will be based at a purpose built maintenance facility located at Midrand,
just south of Allandale Road.
What happens if there is a power failure?
The power feed driving the trains is derived from two different Eskom sub-stations
with built-in redundancy. Thus, if one Eskom feed goes down, the trains will remain
fully operational.
All stations are supplied with backup generator capacity
How are the trains controlled?
An operational control centre, located at the Midrand depot, controls all train
movements and also comprises a communications and control hub for the monitoring
and control of the bus feeder system and key station and tunnel equipment.
The signalling solution comprises Bombardier's CITYFLO 250 system, which is a fixed
block signalling system based on ‘distance to go' principles with vital information
being transmitted to the onboard automatic train protection (ATP) system from balises
in the track. The ATP supervises the driver and train movements.
Communication points are provided at stations for passenger information and safety.
Is the Gautrain secure?
With safety and security being central to Gautrain's offering, Bombela's Integrated
Safety and Security Programme covers all scenarios of degraded and emergency operation
of the system. Bombela has developed a number of important measures to mitigate
the risks, including:
- Hundreds of CCTV cameras which provide recorded coverage of all stations and trains
as well as key locations along the route
- 24-hour security guard presence in all stations and parking areas
- Continuous satellite tracking of all feeder and distributor buses
- Secure fencing along the route to prevent unauthorised access and vandalism of critical
system assets
Won't the train's noise and vibration disturb local communities?
The Gautrain design incorporates state-of-the-art noise mitigation technologies
resulting in extremely low noise and vibration levels:
- Pre-cast noise barriers, berms and embankments placed at strategic locations along
the alignment
- Special low-vibration track forms used in the tunnels
- Elastically supported rails throughout to reduce noise and vibration levels
Gautrain performs extensive testing will to ensure that Gautrain meets the high standards expected in respect of noise and
vibration.
What about noise levels inside the train?
Several innovative design solutions have been incorporated to minimise noise levels
experienced inside the vehicles. These include constrained layer damping on the
floor and lower bodyside walls (where damping materials are fixed to the floor and
sidewalls to reduce vibrations) and a fully floating floor (where the floor ‘floats'
on elastic bearings rather than being directly fixed to the chassis). The exterior
design of the vehicle is streamlined to reduce wind noise; this includes flush sealing
‘plug' doors and flush windows. Inter-gangway connections incorporate bi-parting
powered doors reducing noise transmission from vehicle ends.
What happens if there's an emergency?
In an emergency of any sort, trained staff or pre-recorded announcements will issue
instructions regarding what to do. Please obey these instructions in a prompt and
orderly fashion.
Emergency drills are regularly conducted in conjunction with the emergency and rescue
services of the Tshwane, Ekurhuleni and Johannesburg municipalities.
Who is Bombela?
The Gautrain project is a public-private partnership and includes a 15-year maintenance
and operating period after construction.
Following an international tender process, Gauteng Provincial Government awarded
the project to the Bombela Concession Company consisting initially of Bombardier,
Bouygues Travaux Publics, Murray & Roberts and Strategic Partners Group. Latterly,
ABSA Bank and the J&J Group have also taken up equity stakes in the Bombela Concession
Company. The operations will be led by RATP Développement (the transit operator
responsible for public transport in Paris and its surroundings) in partnership with
SPG and Murray & Roberts
What is the difference between the Airport Service and the Commuter Service?
The Gautrain offers two distinct train services: The Airport Service operates
exclusively between Sandton and Marlboro stations and OR Tambo International Airport. While the Commuter Service
is targeted at general commuters that need to travel between Marlboro, Rhodesfield and Sandton and Park, Rosebank, Sandton, Midrand, Centurion, Pretoria Central and Hatfield stations on a
regular basis.
Airport passengers wishing to embark or disembark from the train at any station other than Sandton must first
catch a train to Sandton and then change carriages there.
Trains to the airport start operating too late (05h30) and end too early (20h30). Will the Airport Service operating hours be reviewed?
Optimisation of the operating hours is being considered in the light of the following:
- Cost-to-benefit: Longer operating hours would require the mobilisation of additional station, train and support staff.
The viability of this depends on passenger take-up. To analyse this Bombela has engaged with ACSA to learn what their current
passenger flow is before 05h30 and after 20h30. Also, Bombela has recently conducted formal market research to help gauge the
requirement for earlier starts and later finishes.
- Another consideration is the fact that system maintenance and cleaning is currently done overnight during non-operational
hours. Shortening this window period has implications for those aspects of the operation.
- Finally,since this is a public-private partnership with the provincial government, Bombela is not in a position to make a
unilateral change to the service: it needs to go through due process with the Province who is after all entrusted with the
wise allocation of public funds.
Why must I go via Sandton Station to take a train to the airport?
The Airport Service is a premium service offered exclusively between Sandton and Marlboro (opened June 2011) and the Airport.
Airport Service coaches offer more luxurious seating, extra leg room and additional baggage space to suit the needs of airport travellers.
Doors to these coaches do not open at Rhodesfield to ensure that the coaches are not filled by Commuter Service passengers,
and in turn inconvenience airport travelers.
The current fare structure is complicated. Will this be made easier?
The current fare structure is specified in the Concession contract. Changes to the fare structure require modifications to the contract and this can only be done following careful consideration and due process between the Gauteng provincial government and Bombela. This is being looked at.
Why are there no concessionary or discounted fares?
The first few months of Gautrain operations have been an educational period for many passengers; we took the decision to simplify the whole travel process as much as possible and to temporarily withdraw 'concessionary fares' until the system has settled down and regular commuters were fully versed in using it efficiently.
I've been charged the wrong amount. What is the refund process?
Before claiming for a refund, passengers are advised to check that the claim is not due to a misunderstanding on the part of the passenger regarding correct usage of the system and respective charges that apply. Refund applications should be submitted by filling in an application form available at each station. Refund requests cannot be processed through the call centre or website. Each form is uniquely numbered and progress with the application can be ascertained by emailing
feedback@bombelaop.co.za. Several applications are however slightly more complicated to assess since they require verification against bank statements etc. These do take slightly longer to process and patience is appreciated.
Who are the Gautrain travel penalties applicable to?
Gautrain travel penalties are applicable to any person who does not comply with the rules which relate to security and conduct on or in the Gautrain network, premises and vehicles. Travel rules are posted at all stations, trains and buses. The comprehensive rules and applicable penalties are also available on the Gautrain website at
www.gautrain.co.za.
Why is food and drink not allowed on the Gautrain?
Eating and drinking on the Gautrain system is a transgression of the Gautrain rules of travel. This specific rule has been put in place for the convenience of all passengers and to ensure that stations, trains and buses remain clean and to maintain a service that is attractive to all passengers.
Am I able to register, blacklist or top-up my Gautrain Gold Card online?
This tool is currently not available on our website; this will be reviewed at a later stage. We are committed to ensuring that the Gautrain service is convenient and easy and serves the needs of our customers.
Gautrain buses seem to be underutilised. Why?
The part of the system currently open is predominantly an Airport Service. The core Commuter Service only rolls out in
2011 when the bulk of the Commuter Stations are open. Currently roughly half of our train passengers are daily
commuters (the balance being airport passengers). Of these, between 20% and 30% also use the buses – upwards of 1500
passengers per day and growing steadily. Compared to analogous projects elsewhere in the world, this is in fact already a high proportion.
Where can I find bus route information?
Detailed information on the Gautrain bus services and bus stops, is available on the Gautrain website at
www.gautrain.co.za. Alternatively you can get a bus
brochure from any train station. The web site also shows a picture of what the bus stop looks like for easy reference.
It is important to remember that you can only board a Gautrain bus with a valid Gautrain Gold Card to the full value of
the bus fare, which is R20 per ride. If you catch the train within one hour of boarding the bus you pay a discounted fare
of R6 for the bus ride. At this stage the only place to re-load Gold Cards is at the stations.
Some bus routes are not convenient for commuters. Will routes / stops be amended or added in future?
Gautrain bus routes are determined by the Gauteng Provincial Government in conjunction with the respective municipality. We are currently engaging with our client, the Gauteng Provincial Government to modify some routes slightly to make the service more convenient and suited to our customer needs.
How do I go about finding an item I have lost on the Gautrain?
Passengers who lose items on Gautrain premises should report this with the security office at the station. Station Security will then do a check on the Security Analysis System under 'lost and found' items. If found the hand over is done immediately after the object has been identified and following security checks.
I have come across various transfer times at stations. What are these?
The Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) System has been designed with certain transfer times to encourage efficient usage of the Gautrain system and to penalise 'unusual'
activities which may imply attempted fare evasion. Essentially, these transfer times are designed to ensure that commuters tag into the system, complete a journey in
a reasonable amount of time and then tag out at a destination. The rules are as follows:
- In order to qualify for the bus or parking discount which is applicable if you also use the train, you must tag into (or out of) a station fare gate
within 60 minutes of tagging into (or out of) a bus or parking fare gate.
- The maximum allowable trip time (the interval between tagging onto the system and then out of the system) is 120 minutes. If you exceed this, the
system will assume that you are joyriding backwards and forwards, you will be charged a penalty fare of R100.
- If you check in and out of the same station without checking out of a destination station, the system will assume that the passenger has somehow
evaded the checkout and will charge you a penalty fare of R100.
Are there facilities to accommodate the disabled?
The Gautrain system has facilities to assist blind and partially sighted people as well as people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Wheelchair access is provided to all trains, 50% of the buses, stations, toilets, lifts, fare gates, ticket offices and vending
machines. The system has accessibility features to aid people with difficulties in walking, gripping, reaching or balancing
(including non-slip surfaces, handrails and handholds. Blind and partially sighted people are assisted through the consistent
use of colour contrasts, clear signage and lighting, non-reflective surfaces, tactile surfaces, audible as well as visual announcements.
Deaf and hard of hearing passengers are assisted through visual as well as audible announcements, induction loops and clear signs.
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