Gautrain expands to Soweto, Mamelodi, adapting to post-pandemic commuter needs

In response to the changing ridership patterns post-Covid-19, the Gautrain is identifying underserved customer groups and their specific needs.
The Gautrain will be adapting its products and services to make travel more accessible to a diverse range of passengers.

This includes the rapid rail extensions from current Gautrain stations, mostly in the suburbs, to other economic nodes and townships like Soweto and Mamelodi, according to Gautrain Management Agency CEO, Tshepo Kgobe.

“This will significantly increase our customer base, boost ridership, and enable inclusive transport connectivity,” said Kgobe.

He explained that the pandemic has drastically and permanently altered the transit industry.

Former frequent commuters continue to work from home in hybrid or remote positions.

Gautrain passenger numbers have declined from 13.9 million in 2019/20 to 7.9 million in 2023/24.

This was revealed by Gauteng finance MEC Lebogang Maile on March 18 in his budget speech to the provincial legislature.

“The days of a predictable 9-to-5, Monday through Friday commute are over. Passengers are demanding that we run a frequent service throughout the day and offer dynamic pricing to suit their hybrid work schedules. And with the rising cost of living, cost is increasingly becoming the sole determinant when choosing a mode of transport,” said Kgobe.

As highlighted by Premier Panyaza Lesufi during the recent State of the Province Address in a Draft Route Determination Report, the rail extension project is a transformative initiative aimed at fostering economic growth and inclusion.

He announced plans to expand the Gautrain network to include Mamelodi, among other areas.

He stated that R120-billion would be invested in this expansion, aiming to connect regions such as Soweto via Fourways, Mamelodi, Atteridgeville, Lanseria, and Springs.

The Draft Route Determination Report includes the Preliminary Route Alignment Report, which details the proposed routes and station locations for the Soweto Extension and Cosmo City Junction.

The updated extensions feasibility study identified the following links and stations:

– a link between Marlboro and Soweto with an additional station in Sandton, as well as new stations at Randburg, Cosmo City, Little Falls, Roodepoort and Jabulani.
– a link between Jabulani and Mamelodi through Cosmo City, with new stations at Fourways, Sunninghill, Olievenhoutsbosch, Irene, Tshwane East, Hazeldean, and Mamelodi.
– a link between Rhodesfield and Boksburg with new stations at East Rand Mall and Boksburg; and
– a link between Cosmo City and Lanseria Airport with new stations at Cradle and Lanseria.

Currently, Mamelodi is served by Metrorail Gauteng, which operates commuter rail services connecting Pretoria to various suburbs, including Mamelodi.

While these expansion plans have been announced, specific timelines and detailed implementation strategies are yet to be provided.

Albi Modise, spokesperson for the Gautrain Management Agency told Rekord once the route is finalised, the next step will be to undertake a Preliminary Design of the future railway line.

This is to provide further information on the impact on properties located along the proposed alignment of the railway line.

They will also conduct a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), and undertake further consultation with all interested and affected parties.

According to Modise, Gautrain recently commissioned a brand study, which found that the rapid rail link has maintained its brand positioning as a safe, efficient, clean, and convenient service.

However, there is an indication that the brand is perceived as inaccessible to some market segments and this presents an opportunity to respond innovatively to changing customer needs, preferences and patterns.

This will see the transformation of Gautrain stations into hubs for business, retail, and social activities.

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