The Gautrain is a state-of-the-art high-speed train under construction in Gauteng. An 80-kilometre mass rapid transit railway system forms part of the greater Gautrain project. The Gautrain will link Johannesburg, Pretoria, and OR Tambo International Airport. Apart from the above mentioned three stations, the seven other stations that will be linked by the railway include Sandton, Rosebank, Marlboro, Midrand, Centurion, Hatfield, and Kempton Park.

What is the Aim of the Gautrain?

The aim of the Gautrain is to bring relieve to the traffic congestion in the Johannesburg-Pretoria corridor (especially the N1 Ben Schoeman Highway), and subsequently provide an alternative public transport mode to road transport. The NI Highway carries some of the highest traffic volumes in South Africa with more than 157 000 vehicles making use of it each day; it also has a traffic growth rate of seven percent per year. The Johannesburg-Pretoria traffic corridor carries approximately 300 000 cars per week day. The Gautrain is expected to cut the number of vehicles on the NI Ben Schoeman Highway by 20 percent, with 100 000 daily passenger trips. It is thus estimated that one-fifth of Johannesburg-Pretoria commuters will make the switch from traveling by road to traveling by rail.

Who is behind the Gautrain?

A public-private partnership between government and the Bombela Consortium (representing Murray & Roberts and international specialists in tunneling and maintenance of similar train systems) are responsible for the project that is the Gautrain. The Gautrain is the biggest public-private partnership in Africa.

What are some Interesting Facts surrounding the Gautrain?

• The Gautrain project will be completed in two phases. The first phase is the route between Sandton and OR Tambo International Airport, and Sandton and Pretoria. It is estimated to take about four years. Phase two involves the outer links between Johannesburg city centre and Sandton, as well as between Pretoria and Hatfield. Phase two should also take approximately four years

• During construction of the Gautrain, 48 000 jobs will be created;

• A projected 104 000 people will use the Gautrain each day;

• The Gautrain will operate daily from 05:30 to 20:30;

• 65 road intersections will be upgraded during construction of the Gautrain; and

• More than six million cubic meters of soil will have to be moved and disposed of during construction of the Gautrain.

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