Passenger numbers on the Gautrain spiked almost 10 percent since the launch of tolling on Gauteng highways, according to the Gautrain Management Agency (GMA which manages the province’s transport programme.
According to statistics released by the GMA, the average weekday passenger numbers for train services rose from 47 000 commuters during the week prior to e-tolling to 52 400 on the first day of e-tolling.
Commuter numbers for the Gautrain’s bus services also rose from a daily average of 18 000 to 21 000 passengers.
South African National Road Agency Limited (Sanral) spokesperson, Vusi Mona said the roads agency was pleased that motorists have choices when using the provincial road network and that they can also select their mode of transport from the available options.
“In order to address the congestion challenges in the province all modes of transport and transport plans are important,” he said.
Mona declined to reveal e-toll statistics and said, “It is too early to evaluate the traffic patterns, this as it has not been a month from the e-toll commencement.”
He added that traffic volumes were currently distorted due to schools closures and many people being on leave and away on holiday.
However, Mona said 920 310 e-tags have been taken up thus far.
