Gautrain Looking At Different Ways To Grow Its Commuter Base

The Gautrain Management Agency is looking at different ways to make its service more affordable to the public. This is in response to declining commuter numbers, which the agency ascribes to the work-from-home and hybrid models that companies implemented during COVID-19.

The agency says it is also considering extending the rail network to townships. Its spokesperson, Albi Modise, says they have since signed a private-public partnership agreement to attract more customers and ensure that Gautrain remains sustainable.

The days of a predictable 9-to-5, Monday through Friday commute are over. Passengers are demanding that we run a frequent service throughout the day and offer dynamic pricing to suit their hybrid work schedules. Cost is increasingly becoming the sole determinant when choosing a mode of transport. Under the new agreement, we will be able to consider a range of fare policies and pricing incentives. The rapid rail extensions from current Gautrain stations, mostly in the suburbs, to other economic nodes and townships like Soweto and Mamelodi, will significantly increase our customer base, boost ridership.