Expansion will increase commuter numbers - Gautrain
Gautrain has blamed the COVID-19 pandemic for the drastic drop in the number of commuters making use of its services.
Over the past years, there has been a five-million-commuter drop, with passenger numbers dropping from 13.9 million in 2019 to 7.9 million in 2024.
Gautrain spokesperson Albi Modise said the hybrid working patterns have also contributed to the lower numbers.
"The decline underscores the need to adopt adaptive strategies, which will be aimed at restoring the commuter confidence while at the same time adjusting to the evolving travel patterns of the customers.
"We do talk about the fact that post-COVID, the work environments have changed, patterns of transport, of travelling, have changed, and therefore our product offerings have to equally align with that particular change.”
Earlier this year, the Gauteng government announced plans to expand the railway network to Soweto, Fourways, Mamelodi, Atteridgeville, Lanseria and Springs.
Modise said the expansion of its network in the province will help it return to pre-pandemic figures.
"The investment announced by the provincial government aimed at expanding the current Gautrain system and extending new routes will help us reach more strategic areas,
"Particularly reaching the underprivileged areas and making sure that we cater for a wide range of riders, but most importantly, improving efficiencies and effectiveness to ensure that Gautrain is able to move to the new trajectory of growth" he added.
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