Today marks the 15th anniversary of the Gautrain’s first ride, which travelled from Sandton Station to OR Tambo Station at OR Tambo International Airport in Kempton Park.

Fifteen years later, South Africa’s first and only rapid rail network, known for its efficiency, safety, and convenience, continues to progress and is increasing its efforts to enhance accessibility.

Since its launch on 8 June 2010, the Gautrain project has successfully carried over 200 million passengers and currently employs approximately 1 200 staff across its operations and administration.

“In the next 15 years, we want to connect more people, more communities, and more cities in Gauteng, and stimulate economic growth, development, and job creation. As we mark 15 years of operations, we are mindful that accessibility and inclusivity are imperatives,” said Gautrain Management Agency CEO, Tshepo Kgobe. 

The team recently launched the KlevaMova product which provides low-income earners with a 50% discount on Gautrain train fares.

The CEO explained that KlevaMova aims to make Gautrain services more affordable for low-income and disadvantaged communities living on the outskirts of cities. These groups often spend a significant portion of their income on commuting.

The product is designed for households with a combined annual income of R350 000 or less, as well as for pensioners and recipients of the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) disability grant.

“A month after the launch of KlevaMova, we are pleased that approximately 2 000 eligible passengers have registered for the product and over 1 000 applications were approved following a verification process,” said Kgobe.

Learners and students under the age of 25 also qualify for the 50% discount on Gautrain train fares. 

“As we mark Youth Month, we understand that safe and reliable transport enables learners to reach school safely and on time, minimising disruptions to their education. 

“We are, therefore, positioning the Gautrain as the mobility of choice supporting young people’s transition into adulthood, enabling them to access education and opportunities,” Kgobe said.

Transportation acts as a key driver for economic and social development, facilitating trade, improving accessibility, and creating growth opportunities. 

Gauteng, known as the economic powerhouse of South Africa, faces considerable road traffic congestion while continually attracting people from around the world and the country.

The CEO said an efficient public transport system, like the Gautrain, was crucial for facilitating the quick movement of people across the province.

“The role of the Gautrain as a catalyst for economic development cannot be minimised,” Kgobe said. 

In the past 15 years, the Gautrain has had positive multiplier effects, including the stimulation of commercial and residential property development around its stations.

“We have seen a significant proportion of commercial and residential properties mushrooming around Gautrain stations,” Kgobe stated.

Kgobe said the Gautrain’s 15-year impact provides a strong case for the proposed rapid rail extensions to areas such as Soweto, Fourways, Lanseria, and Mamelodi. 

These extensions are central to the government’s efforts to address the spatial inequalities left by apartheid and to promote inclusive connectivity.

These proposed expansions are an essential part of the 25-year Integrated Transport Master Plan, which aims to establish a passenger rail network as the foundation of the province’s modernised and integrated transport system.

“We need to act now to move people from road to rail, particularly in congested areas like the Johannesburg-Pretoria corridor,” said Kgobe, stressing that the Gautrain is essential to Gauteng’s growth.

“We cast our eyes to a future where we can comprehensively address the transport needs of a diverse range of passengers and advance equity in transportation,” Kgobe concluded. –