Gautrain hits new punctuality low

The Gautrain has become an integral part of the commute for South Africans living and working between Johannesburg and Pretoria. Largely, the train is efficient and convenient for all who use it. 

A recent report from the Gautrain Management Agency (GMA) shows that while things may run smoothly for the most part, there is always room for improvement. 

Moneyweb reports that the Gautrain's punctuality record has dropped to 95.59%, its lowest point since January 2016. Punctuality is measured by analysing whether trains "don’t leave more than 90 seconds early and don’t arrive more than 180 seconds late".'

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Cable theft, technical issues, passengers stopping the train by pressing the emergency button and train power issues at Pretoria and Hatfield have caused the Gautrain's punctuality record to drop to its lowest point in two years. 

Gautrain users reacted to the news:

If the punctuality rating falls below 94%, the CEO of GMA Jack van der Merwe will collect penalties from Bombela, the company overseeing operations of the trains. 

The 95.59% rating still places the Gautrain among the best in the world. 

The GMA and Bombela, the company overseeing operations of the trains, are reportedly working together for solutions to cable theft. 

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