The first train to arrive at Sandton Station...ever!
Herewith the photo of the ultra-modern train.
No, no, no not that one!
This one!
Awesome, right? The Gautrain is set to be a South African success story for sure, making a massive positive difference to current commutors, and enticing many South Africans out of there cars.
What is the Gautrain?
(Info taken from their website)
The Gautrain Rapid Rail Link is a state-of-the-art rapid rail network planned in Gauteng. The Gautrain Rapid Rail Link project offers a cost effective, efficient, environmentally friendly and safe solution to some of the worst transport problems in the most densely developed area in Gauteng and indeed South Africa. It also supports many other government objectives.
The three anchor stations will be located at:
- OR Tambo International Airport
- Pretoria
- Johannesburg
The seven other stations will be located at:
- Rosebank
- Sandton
- Marlboro
- Midrand
- Centurion
- Hatfield
- Rhodesfield (Kempton Park)
Click here to view the proposed route in JPEG format - 403KB.
Key features of the Gautrain:
- international standards
- high levels of safety
- reliability and predictability
- great comfort
- Maximum speeds of 160 to 180 km per hour (Pretoria - Johannesburg in >40 minutes)
- In operation daily approximately 18 hours per day
- Will include dedicated, exclusive bus services to transport passengers to/from stations
Besides the commuter service, air passengers will have a dedicated service between OR Tambo International Airport and Sandton. This purpose-designed service brings Gauteng in line with global practice which links cities by rail to international airports. Designed with facilities suited to their specific needs, airport passengers will be able to check-in their luggage at Sandton station. The trip between the airport and Sandton station will take less than 15 minutes.
Find out all about the Gautrain on their website and follow them on twitter and Facebook for regular updates and news.
