Silver lining for people who can’t afford the Gautrain

The Gautrain Management Agency (GMA) says the new public-private partnership agreement presents an opportunity for Gautrain to consider various fare policies to meet the needs of people who couldn’t access its services.

In a statement on the Gauteng ridership declines after the Covid-19 pandemic, the GMA said it will adapt its products and services to expand them to different market segments.

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

“Under the new agreement, we will be able to consider a range of fare policies and pricing incentives, introduce products and services that address the needs of a diverse range of passengers, and advance equity in transportation,” added GMA CEO Tshepo Kgobe.

It should be noted that the current agreement for managing the Gautrain network ends on 31 March 2026, so these changes would only be implemented after 1 April 2026.

The GMA’s statement is in response to the findings revealed by Gauteng finance MEC Lebogang Maile during his 2025 budget speech.

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

“The expansion of the Gautrain remains a strategic priority for the province, but its financial sustainability has come under increasing scrutiny,” he said.

“Ridership levels have yet to recover to pre-pandemic figures.”

The GMA explained that the pandemic dramatically and permanently altered South Africa’s transit industry, with former frequent commuters continuing to work from home or in remote positions.

“The days of a predictable 9-to-5, Monday through Friday commute are over,” said Kgobe.

“Passengers are demanding that we run a frequent service throughout the day and offer dynamic pricing to suit their hybrid work schedules.”

He added that with the rising cost of living, cost is increasingly becoming the sole determinant when South Africans choose a mode of transport.

However, he noted that rail operators globally are adapting their service offerings to adjust to changing ridership patterns.

Kgobe said a brand study recently commissioned by Gautrain revealed that the brand is seen as safe, efficient, clean, and convenient.

However, it revealed that the brand is perceived as inaccessible to some market segments.

“This presents an opportunity to respond innovatively to changing customer needs, preferences, and patterns,” said Kgobe.

The GMA also believes expanding the Gautrain rapid rail link to more areas will help reduce congestion in the province and boost ridership numbers.

“The rapid rail extensions from current Gautrain stations, mostly in the suburbs, to other economic nodes and townships like Soweto and Mamelodi, will significantly increase our customer base, boost ridership, and enable inclusive transport connectivity,” said Kgobe.

The GMA has also recognised the need to innovate and diversify its revenue streams. It already offers vehicle licencing services at its stations.

“We will be transforming Gautrain stations into hubs for business, retail, and social activities,” said Kgobe.

“Gauteng, with its diverse attractions is also an entertainment playground, so we are striving to position the Gautrain as the mobility of choice for large-scale social, sport, and lifestyle events, and places of fun and entertainment.”