Gautrain to revolutionise travelling

31 May 2010 - 18:18
By Devereaux Morkel

A trip from Sandton to OR Tambo International Airport in under 10 minutes

From Sandton to the OR Tambo International Airport in less than 10 minutes was made possible on Monday when the Gautrain took some people on a practice run.

With only eight (8) days to go the train did a few practice runs in between the Sandton and the airport that saw everyone on board timing the trip that was initially said to take at least 15 minutes. People boarded the train at the Marlboro station in Alexander then departed to the Sandton station where the testing started. Along the way the train stopped at Marlboro and Rhondesfield before reaching its destination.

Gautrain from the front/back 

" It was an absolute pleasure, I mean travelling though from Sandton to OR Tambo Airport in under 10 minutes is just incredible, you would never ever do that in Johannesburg traffic," Jacaranda 94.2 presenter Andrew Sorril said after the trip.

When the train left the Marlboro station the train driver made an announcement to inform the passengers that the train was travelling at about 160km/h, which came as a surprise to those aboard.

Also on the train was Jacaranda 94.2 presenter Maurice Carpede, "I think it was an unbelievable experience, the most important part to me is that I can get to the airport in less than 15minutes from Sandton. I can also leave my car at home and even contribute to a lower carbon footprint. I think that this is phenomenal, after so many years this dream has come true, it is really exciting."

Maurice Carpede and Andrew Sorril ready for departure

The commuter services can cost anything from R16.50 to R21.00 between stations, with bus services available at every station.

There will also be busses available at all the stations that will transport people where they need to go. Both the busses and trains will be available daily from 05:30 to 20:30 with trains and busses available every 12 minutes during peak periods. Off-peak period's busses and trains will be available every 20 minutes. However on weekends and public holidays there will be no busses available.

There are parking facilities at all the stations that will allow people a safe place to leave their car, with long-term parking also available.

With hundreds of CCTV security cameras on the train and at the stations the train ensures the safety of commuters. There will also be a 24-hour security presence at all the stations, train and parking areas.

There is also wheelchair access at all the trains, stations, toilets, lifts, fare gates, ticket offices and ticket vending machines.

The routes to Pretoria and Johannesburg are expected to open in 2011.

Video footage and more pictures from the train: 

Maurice Carpede on the train

Outside view from inside the train

Inside the cabin

The seats

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