Vadi said commuter and airport passengers would, depending on their rail trip and time of the trip, experience an increase in fare of between four and six percent.
He added that this would be in line with the Consumer Price Index.
Vadi said the multi-tiered fare structure that was introduced last year for the general passenger services would remain unchanged.
One of the primary changes to affect Sandton commuters will be the R7 fare increase for residents travelling from the Sandton station to OR Tambo International Airport. The price which is currently R135, will increase to R142 from 1 June.
Gautrain spokesperson Tlago Ramalepa said, “The fare structure also aims to promote balanced usage of the trains, buses and parking facilities and to ensure that the Gautrain remains price-attractive to its respective target markets, particularly private vehicle users.”
Vadi added that the Gautrain remained a highly cost-effective, safe, reliable and convenient transport solution for many commuters in Gauteng. Independent research had shown that commuters have high satisfaction ratings for the Gautrain. Passengers are particularly pleased with the punctuality, safety, cleanliness of the service and the timely information provided to users. So far this year, monthly train punctuality and availability had consistently exceeded 98 percent.
In addition to fare changes, Vadi announced that there would be changes to the timetable with intervals between train services being reduced from 12 minutes to 10 minutes, increasing the number of trains from five to six per peak hour. He said this would address the overcrowding experienced by commuters during peak hours.
Ramalepa concluded, “The earlier and later departure times on the service between Sandton and OR Tambo International Airport, that were introduced recently, remain unchanged. More details will be made available at stations and other media i.e. the website. The bus services at the different stations will for now remain unchanged.”
Details: www.gautrain.co.za
