The Gautrain System is experiencing continuous growth as could be expected of a system which is at the beginning of its commercial life-cycle. The average weekday passenger trips on the train increased from 26 000 at the beginning of April 2012 to 42 000 at the end of March 2013.

Since last year, several interventions to increase the rail service capacity were implemented. These include to bring forward the afternoon peak with an hour to commence at 15h00; thus increasing the frequency of the trains and the optimisation of the transfer times between the commuter and airport service in the off peak period. Additional service capacity interventions include more trains per hour on Sunday afternoons (two to three per hour) and on Monday mornings (three to four per hour) on the airport service.  In addition, the introduction of eight-car train sets on the North-South commuter service in both peak periods was also implemented.

The average weekday passenger trips on the general passenger service grew by over 60% in the period April 2012 to March 2013. The table below indicates the number of passenger trips year on year.

For February and March 2013, the total monthly number of passengers on the Gautrain system exceeded one million passengers. This was achieved with an operational efficiency that met and exceeded targets of availability and punctuality set at 98% and 97% respectively of all trips made. These figures demonstrate an increase in customer confidence in the Gautrain and in public transport in general.

Safety and security targets were also met and exceeded. Last year, incidences of cable theft did occur, but on a much smaller scale than in the previous year, largely as a result of improved security systems implemented by the Concessionaire in close cooperation with the South African Police Service and the GMA.

The purpose of the Gautrain bus service is to support the train ridership and to improve the total trip quality and experience of the commuters. The average daily bus trips has doubled from 9 000 per day in April 2012 to 18 000 a day in March of 2013. Since March 2013, a total of 26 bus routes are in operation, with the addition of the UNISA/Groenkloof and Emperors Palace routes.

The table below indicates the number of bus passenger trips.

Parking at Gautrain stations vary from over-extended on weekdays to adequate over weekends. Currently, there is no surplus capacity on business days at the Pretoria, Centurion, Midrand and Rhodesfield Stations. The GMA has embarked on short-term interventions to increase parking availability and to improve traffic flow and access to and from these four stations.

The interventions include the optimisation of existing parking layouts and the provision of dedicated parking bays for motor cycles. An additional 103 parking bays were added at Rhodesfield station and planning and design for the construction of another 156 parking bays at Rhodesfield is at an advanced stage. Also, discussions are being held with the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) to look into long term parking solutions for both Gautrain and PRASA. Negotiations are at advanced to develop a new station at the Heartlands Development at Moddderfontein.

In November 2012, I announced that representatives of Vodacom, MTN, Cell C and Telkom 8ta, including officials from the GMA and the Bombela, had agreed to a “joint technical implementation plan” to ensure that voice (cell phone) communications services are provided by 1 June 2013. The technical work on this project is progressing well. However, the roll-out of this service will be delayed for a further three months.

The Gautrain fares are adjusted annually at the beginning of June and are agreed with the Bombela Concession Company according to principles stipulated in the concession agreement. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) serves as a base for the fare adjustments. The average fare increase as from the 1 June 2013 will be 6 percent. There will be a 15 percent reduction in fares during off-peak hours (between 09h00 and 15h00).

The fare structure aims to promote use of the system; be price attractive to the respective target markets and to sustain a shift to Gautrain from private vehicle users. Fares must be viewed in conjunction with the total Gautrain service offering which is of a high quality in terms of reliability, punctuality and safety.

The GMA is constantly assessing commuter perceptions of Gautrain. It keeps a finger on the pulse of Gautrain’s reputation. Such assessments include a Brand Fit Audit, a Reputation Audit and a Customer Satisfaction Audit.

A reputation audit was concluded in February 2013.  The main outcome of the audit showed that Gautrain has a reputation score of 76 percent. The following table shows the Gautrain brand and reputation:

The monthly Customer Satisfaction Surveys, conducted as a requirement of the Concession Agreement, is to determine the extent of passengers’ satisfaction with the quality and comfort of the services provided by Gautrain.  For March 2013, results of the audit showed:

• A very high Net Promoter Score of 93 was achieved. The main reasons given were: convenience (37%) quick/fast/efficient (28%) and safety (14%). The 21% balance is divided amongst six other key metrics;
• Most respondents riding on Gautrain took the bus (34%) to the station. This is the first month where the bus has been the most popular mode of getting to the station. Twenty eight percent of respondents were dropped off while 21% parked their car at the station;
• When asked about possible Gautrain improvements, 46% could offer no suggestions while 11% suggested that more coaches should be allocated as it was getting cramped.

The integration of the Gautrain system with other public transport services remains one of the primary objectives of the GMA. The GMA advocates the coordination of transport activities to maximise the efficiency of public transport services and to contribute to the long term economic growth and development of Gauteng. Currently, the GMA is involved in the consultation forums and planning of the Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) system being constructed by the City of Tshwane.

A BRT station has already been completed opposite Hatfield Station and will form part of the proposed route to Pretoria CBD.

The Linbro Park shuttle service operated by a taxi-owned company from Marlboro Station continues to provide an excellent quality of service to commuters. There are plans to extend the shuttle service to service other routes in the vicinity of Marlboro. The proposed routes include two additional routes to Woodmead and Greenstone. Additional details on the development of these services will be communicated prior to implementation.

There is still much to be done collectively to improve mobility of public transport passengers. Continuous engagement with other public transport service providers and the alignment of transport plans are essential in order to provide an integrated and seamless public transport service. The development of ticketing interoperability is imperative in order to enhance public transport services. The GMA will continue to focus on the integration of the Gautrain System with other public transport services and the development of other public transport solutions.

Fact Sheets

• GMA Fact Sheet 09-05 2013 – OPS System Capacity
• GMA Fact Sheet 09-05-2013 – Customer Satisfaction and RA
• GMA Fact Sheet 09-05-2013 – DFDS System
• GMA Fact Sheet 09-05-2013 – Governance
• GMA Fact Sheet 09-05-2013 – Integration Management
• GMA Fact Sheet 09-05-2013 – Patronage Guarantee

• GMA Media Release 09-05-2013-FINAL

PowerPoint Presentation

• GMA_Media_Round_Table_09-05-2013-Final

In the light of recent, reckless and heedless statements made in relation to passenger rail and Gautrain, the MEC for Roads and Transport, Ismail Vadi, cautions that “in a country where costly transport infrastructure development has taken centre stage in the National Development Plan, it will be absolutely absurd to threaten to destroy existing transport and rail infrastructure”.

National Government’s focus has been, amongst others, on fighting poverty and reducing unemployment. Key components in achieving this are firstly, to create transport infrastructure that involves job creation.  Another focus and stated government policy is that the preferred mode of transport should be public transport, particularly passenger rail transport.

The Gauteng City Region is an integrated cluster of cities, towns and urban nodes that together make up the economic heartland of South Africa. “The backbone of this economic heartland is rail as a mode of public transport,” reiterates Vadi. The Gauteng Provincial Government is in the process of finalising a 25-year plan for the development and integration of transport – the Integrated Transport Master Plan (ITMP25).  A main focus in this master plan is the role that rail plays in keeping the economic heart of South Africa beating. In line with the ITMP25, the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa’s (PRASA) Master Plan prioritises Metrorail and also has plans for developing a “super rail corridor”, which includes the Mabopane-Pretoria; the Pretoria-Germiston-Johannesburg, and the Johannesburg-Soweto corridors.

The critical priorities for PRASA over the next three years include the modernisation of the existing passenger railway system and the introduction as well as the implementation of new passenger rail technology, particularly in Gauteng. The modernisation of the signalling and telecommunication systems, rolling stock and train operating systems will lay the foundation for a modern, efficient and sustainable rail transport system in Gauteng.

A major component of the PRASA Rail Corridor Modernisation initiative is the revitalisation of the ageing train fleet. The first new train sets are expected by 2015 and will be deployed on the priority corridors. It also includes the improvement of access to stations and the upgrade of station facilities and amenities. A number of these station upgrades include joint project development with the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport and local municipalities to create fully integrated, intermodal facilities at stations.

Given the key role that the passenger rail system play and will play in future in providing mobility across the Gauteng City Region, the respect for it needs to be supported by all the residents of Gauteng. “Let us stand and work together towards an effective, efficient and sustainable passenger rail system that works for all, instead of threatening to destroy key public transport infrastructure,” says Vadi.

Issued by:     Dr Barbara Jensen

Gautrain is proud to welcome the SA National Youth Orchestra who will entertain commuters with a free performance this coming Friday in Sandton. Members of the National Youth Orchestra will perform at the main entrance of the Gautrain’s Sandton Station on Friday, 25 January between 07:00 and 08:00.

This performance will be a preview ahead of the National Youth Orchestra’s much anticipated tour under the baton of Sir Roger Norrington along with the Zurich Chamber Orchestra.  Gautrain is delighted to be transporting South Africa’s young talent during the Gauteng leg of this tour.

Sir Roger Norrington, a leading light on the classical music scene for almost 50 years, will conduct the Zurich Chamber Orchestra with celebrated South African clarinetist Robert Pickup as soloist in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban, Stellenbosch and Cape Town this month.

In a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, selected members of our National Youth Orchestra will be joining them on their tour. Sir Roger will conduct the opening concert of the Johannesburg International Mozart festival on Mozart’s birthday, 27 January, giving concertgoers an opportunity of seeing this world renowned conductor with his highly acclaimed orchestra with more than 50 members of our very own National Youth Orchestra. Tickets for the Pretoria concert are still available from Computicket.

Concert dates:

• Sunday, 27 January 2013, Johannesburg, Linder Auditorium 
• (Opening Concert of the Johannesburg International Mozart Festival 2013 – SOLD OUT)
• Monday, 28 January 2013, Pretoria, Unisa – ZK Mathews Hall (as part of the Unisa Music Foundation Concert Series)
• Tuesday, 29 January 2013, Durban, City Hall
• (Celebration of the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra’s 30^th anniversary)
• Thursday, 31 January 2013, Stellenbosch, Endler Hall (as part of the Endler Concert Series)
• Friday, February 1 Cape Town concert at the New Apostolic Church in Silvertown (near the Joseph Stone Auditorium in Athlone)

For further information on Gaurain services, customers can go to the Gautrain website at www.gautrain.co.za or contact the Gautrain Call Centre on 0800 GAUTRAIN (42887246).

For anonymous tip-offs on any criminal activity, members of the public can send an sms to Crime Line on 32211 or contact the SAPS Crime Stop Call Centre anonymously on 08600 10111.

Issued by the Bombela Concession Company (Pty) Ltd

Kelebogile Machaka
083 725 6547
kelebogile.machaka@bombela.com

For the SA National Youth Orchestra:
Beryl Eichenberger
082 490 6652
beryl@hippocommunications.com

Gautrain management envisages that the parking special will result in massive savings for Airport service customers. For example, in the instance where a passenger uses the Gautrain’s Airport service and parks at any station for 7 days, the normal cost for parking would be R393. With this special promotion, the parking fee for the same number of days would be only R7. This special (which is subject to space availability) is valid ONLY if passengers park and then complete a return Gautrain journey to OR Tambo International Airport, using the same Gautrain Gold Card.

The bus special will apply to all Gautrain bus trips irrespective of whether the passenger also uses the train. The special does not apply to Gautrain shuttle mini-bus services.

All other tariffs will remain unchanged.

For further information on these specials and service information, passengers can go to the Gautrain website at www.gautrain.co.za or contact the Gautrain Call Centre on 0800 GAUTRAIN (42887246).

For anonymous tip-offs on any criminal activity, members of the public can send an sms to Crime Line on 32211 or contact the SAPS Crime Stop Call Centre anonymously on 08600 10111.

Issued by the Bombela Concession Company (Pty) Ltd

Kelebogile Machaka
083 725 6547
kelebogile.machaka@bombela.com

Vadi is pleased to inform Gautrain passengers, foreign tourists and the public at large that an agreement has been reached with all the mobile operators that full mobile communications services should be made available to Gautrain commuters by July 2014.

He added that the parties have agreed to a joint technical implementation plan. This plan will be implemented in three phases. Phase one will be to ensure that voice (cell phone) communications services are provided at all underground stations by June 2013. Phase two will allow for cell phone coverage in the 15 km tunnel section of the Gautrain system, which is expected to be completed by December 2013. Phase three will have top quality voice connectivity throughout the 80 km rail system of Gautrain, which all parties will attempt to have completed by July 2014.

Vadi said that he is “truly encouraged by this new partnership with mobile operators which will see commuters enjoying much needed communications services whilst travelling on the Gautrain”.

This commercial agreement must be concluded within the existing regulatory framework without compromising the operational and commercial interests of each of the parties to the agreement said Vadi.

He added that in the end the agreement must serve the public good as mobile connectivity is essential, particularly during service interruptions and delays. This will enable commuters to inform colleagues, friends or family members of the delay and ask them to postpone meetings, flights or engagements. Vadi indicated that he was sensitive to the fact that mobile operators must adhere to their license conditions by ensuring that they avail communications services to their subscribers, particularly emergency calls.