I was pleasantly surprised by the efficiency of staff right from buying the ticket at Pretoria Station, the service on board the train, the high standard of safety provided on board the train as well as at Park Station walking to the bus that would take me to Sandton. Returning back to Pretoria was just as enjoyable knowing that the train does not depart before all the busses have arrived. For passengers using this service parking facilities are provided at the station of departure and yes, this is all inclusive in your ticket.*
South African rail commuters are now travelling to their destinations in style.
When the idea of a luxury commuter train was first mooted in 2006, most couldn’t even imagine it becoming a reality. Yet, since the Wits Metrorail region unveiled South Africa’s first luxury commuter train at Naledi Station, Soweto, in 2007, the highly successful service has caught on and now includes the popular Khayelitsha business express service, as well as those between Strand and Cape Town in the Western Cape, and between Pretoria and Johannesburg in Gauteng.
The concept was simple: change the public’s perception of rail by:
- demonstrating the comfort and convenience of train travel;
- providing commuters with a choice of rail services;
- restoring dignity to rail travel; and
- responding to customer willingness to pay for a superior service.
The express trains sport brand new livery and are instantly recognisable. The comfortable seats, curtains and carpets ensure a fresh and luxurious look. Onboard services include cabin and security crew, a complimentary daily newspaper and refreshments. The Strand to Cape Town Premium Express also boasts two LCD screens per carriage allowing state-of-the-art onboard communication.
Fast Facts:
2007 SOWETO BUSINESS EXPRESS
Area: Soweto to Johannesburg
Seating Capacity: 360
Stopping Stations: Naledi, Dube, Johannesburg Park Station
Average Travel Time: 90 minutes
2008 BOLAND EXPRESS
Area: Huguenot to Cape Town
Seating Capacity: 300
Stopping Stations: Paarl, Kraaifontein, Brackenfell, Stikland, Cape Town
Average Travel Time: 70 minutes
2008 TSHWANE BUSINESS EXPRESS
Area: Pretoria to Johannesburg
Seating Capacity: 520
Stopping Stations: Pretoria, Centurion, Kempton Park, Johannesburg Park Station
Average Travel Time: 90 minutes
2009 PREMIUM EXPRESS
Area: Strand to Cape Town
Seating Capacity: 252
Stopping Stations: Strand, Somerset West, Firgrove, Eerste River, Kuilsriver, Mutual, Cape Town
Average Travel Time: 70 minutes
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