South African Transport System

Gautrain Buses & Train

2 min readMar 12, 2018

CONTEXT: This series of articles are a means to take a holistic view of our current transport system by assessing our various methods of transport. In South Africa, there are numerous modes — but they aren’t all supported as one united platform. You can read some of the background to gain context as to why I am writing this over here. Some modes work efficiently in some areas, and in other areas they bring more harm than help. In the previous articles the pros and cons of Putco Buses Metro Buses, Minibus Taxis Metered Taxis Uber & Taxify has been discussed.

The only areas where transport works more efficiently is within a 2km radius of Sandton. (The tourist space). The everyday communters, those who travel further distances and who rely solely on public transport, are the ones who suffer the most. (Info based on my travel journeys over the past 2 decades)

Gautrain buses run only within the± 2km confines of Sandton. (Basically the green area in the above map). These are the most comfortable, air conditioned buses. Generally always with more than enough space for seating, and always on time. These work in conjunction with the Gautrain schedule for the trains, so that if you’re using both the train and the bus, you won’t wait more than 15–20min between pick ups, depending on the time you arrive. These run between the Gautrain stations, but their distances are limited. They do cost more than the metro and putco buses. However you’re paying for comfort and reliability in this case.

Some buses provides ramp for wheelchairs & prams.

Payment method: bus/train cards

Sources: Commuters (+ personal experiences)

Gautrain

Fastest mode of transport. But only runs from Parkstation, Joburg to Hatfield, Pretoria. Mostly helps those who commute daily for work from Johannesburg to Pretoria. It runs on a reliable schedule and this is one of the reasons it is more preferred. It is however more expensive than any of the other modes of public transport. But to eliminate the stress of being late, this cost seems worth it.