News 2026
GAUTRAIN MARKS 16 YEARS OF SERVICE: OVER 216 MILLION PASSENGER TRIPS AND COUNTING
08 June 2026
Gautrain today marks 16 years since its official launch on 8 June 2010, reaffirming its position as one of South Africa’s most successful and transformative public infrastructure investments.
Since inception, the rapid rail network has recorded more than 216 million passenger trips, firmly establishing itself as a critical part of Gauteng’s transport system and a symbol of modern, efficient mobility in the province.
Launched just days ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Gautrain has grown from a landmark mega-project into a permanent feature of daily life, connecting people to work, education, business, leisure, and economic opportunity.
The Gautrain operates an 80-kilometre rail network across 10 stations, supported by an integrated bus and midibus feeder system that extends access to thousands of passengers daily. The system continues to play a key role in easing congestion and improving mobility in one of Africa’s largest economic hubs.
Over the past 16 years, Gautrain has expanded beyond rail transport through innovation and strategic partnerships. These include its pioneering collaboration with the minibus taxi industry through the Gautrain Midibus Service, as well as the establishment of smart Driver’s Licence Testing Centres at selected stations.
In line with its commitment to inclusive mobility, Gautrain introduced the KlevaMova affordability product just over a year ago. The initiative provides qualifying passengers with a 50% discount on train fares, targeting individuals from households earning R350,000 or less annually, as well as scholars, pensioners, and SASSA disability grant recipients. KlevaMova now accounts for approximately 11% of total Gautrain passenger trips, reflecting strong demand for accessible and affordable public transport.
Gautrain Management Agency Board Chairperson, Professor Mfanelo Ntsobi, said the system represents a long-term national investment in infrastructure that continues to deliver value.
“Gautrain stands as a lasting legacy of what South Africa can achieve when it invests boldly in infrastructure that serves people for generations. It is more than a transport system, it is a catalyst for economic activity and sustainable mobility, connecting people to opportunities every day.”
He added that, as Gautrain enters its next chapter, the Gautrain Management Agency is overseeing a seamless transition to a new concessionaire, ensuring uninterrupted service and preserving the high standards of safety, reliability and operational excellence that passengers have come to expect. Gautrain will continue to operate as a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), a model that has underpinned its success over the past 16 years and established it as one of South Africa’s leading infrastructure projects and a recognised example of effective public-private collaboration.
Sixteen years on, Gautrain continues to play a vital role in shaping the future of mobility in Gauteng. As the province grows, the system remains focused on delivering safe, reliable, and efficient transport that connects people to opportunity and supports long-term economic development.
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Contact:
Albi Modise
Gautrain Management Agency, Senior Executive Manager: Communication and Marketing
albim@gautrain.co.za
Follow Gautrain on:
•X (formerly known as Twitter) - @TheGautrain
•Facebook –
www.facebook.com/gautrain
•Instagram - @TheGautrain
•Website –
www.gautrain.co.za
•Call Centre – 0800 42887246
•SMS alert line – 32693
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GAUTRAIN TO INTRODUCE ON DEMAND SERVICE TO ADDRESS FIRST AND LAST MILE CHALLENGES
22 May 2026
The Gautrain Management Agency (GMA) will introduce an on-demand Gautrain Express Service (to be called Gau Express) to improve first- and last-mile connectivity for customers travelling to and from stations
This is the result of continuous efforts to ensure an efficient, safe and reliable passenger experience
Once completed and ready for rollout, the Gautrain Express Service will be a mobile application based service that connects commuters with drivers in real time. The service forms part of Gautrain’s innovations and mobility integration solutions.
This is aimed at addressing gaps the GMA has identified in its Feeder and Distribution Service, for customers travelling to and from Gautrain stations. The Gautrain Express service will address these first and last mile gaps and ensure that it provides seamless travel to and from Gautrain stations.
The GMA will continue to engage with the shareholder and key stakeholders to ensure that service is well integrated and contributes to the boarder public transport system in Gauteng.
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Albi Modise
Gautrain Management Agency Senior Executive Manager: Communication and Marketing
083 490 2871 / albim@gautrain.co.za
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DISCOUNTED GAUTRAIN PRODUCT ACCOUNTS FOR OVER 10% OF TRIPS IN FIRST YEAR
20 May 2026
Nearly 15 000 people have applied for the Gautrain’s KlevaMova affordability product within a year of its launch, with the discounted offering now accounting for about 11% of all Gautrain passenger trips.
Launched in May 2025, KlevaMova provides qualifying passengers with a 50% discount on train fares, targeting individuals from households earning R350 000 or less annually, scholars, pensioners and SASSA disability grant recipients. About 6 000 approved users are already actively using the system following a verification process.
The Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, said the uptake reflects growing demand for affordable and reliable public transport.
“KlevaMova is making Gautrain more accessible to lower-income commuters, particularly young working adults under 40 within the R350 000 income bracket. Across all user categories, 94% of KlevaMova users are workers, highlighting the important role affordable transport plays in connecting people to economic opportunities,” said Diale-Tlabela.
Passenger usage is highest from the Tshwane region, with Hatfield, Pretoria, Centurion, Midrand and Rhodesfield among the busiest originating stations, while Sandton Station is the leading destination station.
KlevaMova is available as weekly, monthly and return-trip products. Applicants are required to submit supporting documentation and complete a verification process before accessing the benefit.
According to the Gauteng Household Travel Survey (2019/20) compiled by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, nearly 60% of households spend more than the recommended 10% of their monthly income on transport.
KlevaMova forms part of broader efforts to expand access to safe, reliable and efficient public transport, while reducing affordability barriers and promoting more equitable mobility across Gauteng. It also reinforces Gautrain’s positioning as an aspirational mobility brand that seeks to combine world-class service with increased affordability and accessibility for a wider range of commuters.
To start the KlevaMova application process, members of the public may visit www.gautrain.co.za or contact the Gautrain on the toll-free number 0800 428 87246 (0800 GAUTRAIN), daily from 05h30 to 20h00.
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Issued by the Department of Roads and Transport and the Gautrain Management Agency.
For media enquiries contact:
Lesiba Mpya
Spokesperson for the MEC for Roads and Transport
Lesiba.Mpya@gauteng.co.za
Albi Modise
Gautrain Management Agency Senior Executive Manager: Communication and Marketing
albim@gautrain.co.za
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GAUTRAIN TO CONTINUE OPERATING UNDER PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP MODEL BEYOND 2026
04 March 2026
The Gautrain system will continue to operate under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model as it advances into the next phase of its operational journey.
As the current concession agreement approaches its conclusion, the process of appointing a new private partner to operate, maintain, refurbish, upgrade and modernise the Gautrain system for the next 15 years is at an advanced stage of negotiation.
The Gautrain Rapid Rail Link was developed and implemented as a PPP in terms of Treasury Regulation 16 of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA). The Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) is the public partner and primary promoter of the project. The private partner, Bombela Concession Company (Pty) Ltd (BCC), currently holds a 19½-year concession for the design, construction, partial financing, operation and maintenance of the Gautrain system.
The concession agreement between the GPG and BCC will come to an end on 27 March 2026. As one of South Africa’s largest and most successful PPP projects, the Gautrain will continue operating under the PPP model beyond this date, ensuring stability, continuity and sustained private-sector participation.
By 27 March 2026, the costs associated with establishing the Gautrain project will have been fully paid off. This important step positions the Post-2026 Gautrain Project to realise enhanced economic and operational benefits for the province and its residents. The Gautrain, a state-owned asset, is valued at approximately R45 billion.
A preferred bidder has been identified for the new concession agreement. During the negotiation period, the GMA has triggered a contractual holdover arrangement as of 28 March 2026, that will allow the current operator, Bombela Operating Company (BOC), to continue operating the Gautrain system as per the existing Concession Agreement which makes provision for a holdover period of six months, thereby ensuring uninterrupted service to passengers.
The PPP model remains central to Gautrain’s operational framework. In his recent National Budget Speech, the Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, emphasised that public institutions should increasingly consider PPPs as a viable alternative model for delivery.
In parallel with ensuring operational continuity, Gautrain remains committed to making public transport more accessible and affordable. Among its initiatives is KlevaMova, which provides a 50% discount on train fares to qualifying low-income earners, scholars, pensioners and SASSA disability grant recipients. Since its launch in May 2025, thousands of eligible passengers have registered for KlevaMova. Students under the age of 25 also benefit from a 50% discount through the Student Product, which was introduced in 2022.
The GMA continues to support the Gauteng Provincial Government in advancing transport and rail-related initiatives, including the rollout of smart Driver’s Licence Testing Centres located closer to communities, particularly within Townships, Informal Settlements and Hostels.
“As we transition into the post-2026 phase, our priority is to safeguard service continuity, strengthen private-sector participation, and ensure that the Gautrain continues to contribute meaningfully to economic growth, job creation and improved mobility for all residents of Gauteng,” said the Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela.
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Issued by the Department of Roads and Transport and the Gautrain Management Agency.
For media enquiries contact:
Lesiba Mpya
Spokesperson for the MEC for Roads and Transport
Lesiba.Mpya@gauteng.co.za
Albi Modise
Gautrain Management Agency Senior Executive Manager: Communication and Marketing
albim@gautrain.co.za
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GAUTRAIN REWARDS LOYALTY WHILE EXPANDING ACCESS
20 February 2026
Earlier today, five loyal Gautrain passengers were announced as winners of R50 000 cash at the Ride and Repeat Competition Winner Announcement Event, held during the morning peak period. The live draw rewarded commuters who purchased monthly products and travelled consistently over three consecutive months, reinforcing the convenience, reliability, and real value Gautrain delivers for everyday travel.
The Ride and Repeat Competition, which ran from September to December 2025, formed part of Gautrain’s broader strategy to grow ridership, encourage consistent train use, and reward customer loyalty. By incentivising regular travel, the initiative highlighted the cost savings and time efficiency that make Gautrain a preferred choice for thousands of commuters.
“We are thrilled to reward our loyal passengers through initiatives like Ride and Repeat,” said Tshepo Kgobe, CEO of the Gautrain Management Agency. “Every day, our commuters choose Gautrain as a safe, reliable, and convenient mode of transport. This competition is our way of saying thank you, while encouraging even greater use of public transport.”
Over the past year, Gautrain has introduced several initiatives aimed at enhancing accessibility, easing congestion, and supporting economic activity across Gauteng.
Among these initiatives is KlevaMova, a product that offers a 50% discount on train fares to qualifying low-income earners, scholars, pensioners, and SASSA disability grant recipients. Since its launch in May 2025, thousands of eligible passengers have registered for KlevaMova, expanding access to affordable, high-quality public transport.
Students under the age of 25 also qualify for a 50% discount on train fares through the Student Product, which was launched in 2022.
Commuters also continue to benefit from Gautrain’s R1-a-day parking promotion, available when using the train. The promotion runs until 26 March 2026, further enhancing the value proposition for regular passengers.
In partnership with minibus taxi operators, Gautrain has also expanded its Midibus Feeder and Distribution Service routes to Parkhurst, Longlake, Summerset, Centurion West, and Halfway Gardens. Operating from Hatfield, Centurion, Midrand, Marlboro, and Rosebank stations, the midibus service is available at R13 per trip, improving station accessibility and reducing traffic congestion in surrounding areas.
Beyond expanding connectivity, the Midibus initiative supports taxi industry partners through skills transfer, comprehensive driver training, and annual refresher programmes, ensuring high standards of safety, professionalism, and customer service. The Gautrain also offers a bus service at its stations using standard, full-size buses known as Gaubuses, excluding O.R. Tambo Station.
Gautrain also supports large-scale social and leisure events, offering extended late-night services and collaborating with transport partners, including PRASA, to facilitate seamless travel to and from key venues.
“These initiatives reflect our commitment to providing accessible, reliable, and safe transport for everyone,” Kgobe concluded. “By making public transport more rewarding and inclusive, we are contributing to reduced congestion, improved mobility, and stronger economic growth in Gauteng.”
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_____________________________________________________________________________________
Contact:
Albi Modise
Gautrain Management Agency, Senior Executive Manager: Communication and Marketing
albim@gautrain.co.za
Follow Gautrain on:
•X (formerly known as Twitter) - @TheGautrain
•Facebook –
www.facebook.com/gautrain
•Instagram - @TheGautrain
•Website –
www.gautrain.co.za
•Call Centre – 0800 42887246
•SMS alert line – 32693
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