Gautrain kicks off service

First phase of £2bn South African rail network opens but critics argue it will only benefit elite

The Gautrain network uses Bombardier Electrostar rolling stock built in the UK

The Gautrain network uses Bombardier Electrostar rolling stock built in the UK

South Africa heralded a new era for public transport last month with opening of the first phase of the Gautrain, a new high speed rail network, in time for the start of the World Cup.  

The initial line of the £2bn network links the Johannesburg’s airport with the Sandton business and hotel district in the northern suburbs. A second phase will open next year that will link the city with the capital Pretoria, creating an 80km-long network encompassing an express service...