New bus service for Gautrain

Johannesburg - Commuters using the new Gautrain will have the added convenience of a linked bus service that will transport passengers from Gautrain stations to surrounding suburbs, the Bombela Concession Company said on Thursday.

Spokesperson Kelobogile Machaka said the bus service would ferry passengers between the Sandton station and suburbs such as Rivonia, Randburg, Wendywood, Fourways and Rosebank in Johannesburg and from the Rhodesfield station to Kempton Park and Spartan from June 8.

The buses would operate from Monday to Friday during the hours of 5:30 and 20:30, excluding public holidays, Machaka said.

The buses would arrive and depart in line with the train timetable, leaving 12 minutes after the Gautrain arrived in peak hours and 20 minutes during off peak hours.

Machaka said no cash would be accepted on the Gautrain buses. Instead, commuters were required to use a smart card called the "Gautrain Gold Card".

"The Gautrain Gold Card will allow seamless transfer between the Gautrain's train, bus and parking services,"  Machaka said.

A Gautrain Gold Card for trips to Sandton would cost R225 for 14 integrated train and bus trips to the OR Tambo International Airport in any direction.

"Gautrain Gold Cards will be available at Gautrain stations and at selected retailers outside stations."

Every second bus operating during the service would cater for the disabled and a park and ride facility was available for those who needed to use their cars to get to the station, Machaka said.

A reduced service will be available on weekends and public holidays during the Fifa Soccer World Cup.

- Sapa