The Gautrain expansion is one of South Africa’s most ambitious transport initiatives. | Supplied
Gautrain Chairperson Mfanelo Patrick Ntsobi has revealed that the rail system is being reshaped with a clear long-term vision to become more than just a train service.
The Gautrain, first launched in 2010 as a rapid rail public-private partnership built ahead of the FIFA World Cup, was developed to connect Johannesburg, Pretoria and OR Tambo International Airport through a modern high-speed system.
It was constructed and operated under a concession model led by Bombela, at a cost of about R26 billion, and has since carried hundreds of millions of passengers while becoming a key part of Gauteng’s transport network. The system is now a fully paid-up state asset worth an estimated R45 billion to R50 billion.
Ntsobi said the next phase will focus on expanding access, improving affordability and strengthening Gautrain’s role in economic growth and social inclusion in Gauteng.
