Gautrain

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The Gautrain is built by a public-private partnership between of the Government of the Province of Gauteng of South Africa and the Bombela Consortium consisting of Bombardier Transportation, Bouygues Travaux Publics, Murray & Roberts, the Strategic Partners Group and RATP Développement, the J&J Group and Absa Bank.  It is a mass transit system 80 km (50 miles) in length, connecting Pretoria, Johannesburg, and the OR Tambo International Airport of Johannesburg.  Construction of the Gautrain began in 2006.  The Gautrain is not specifically built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa, however Phase 1 of the 2 phases of the Gautrain Project has been completed in time for the World Cup.  Phase 1 links between Sandton Station in Johannesburg and the OR Tambo International Airport (51.6 km or 32 miles) and is open to public since 8 June 2010.  Phase 2 of the Gautrain, from Midrand to Pretoria, is scheduled to be completed in 2011.

Gautrain tracks in Midrand, South Africa

The Gautrain is the first standard gauge (1,435 mm or 4 ft 8.5 in) railway system in South Africa (the South African railway network uses the 1,067 mm or 3 ft 6 in Cape Gauge).  The current rolling stock used is based on the Bombardier Electrostar proven in many years of service in the Great Britain.  The Gautrain rolling stock is assembled in South Africa with components manufactured by Bombardier in Derby, Great Britain.  The top speed of the Gautrain service is 160 km/h (100 mph).

 Diagram of the Gautrain Electrostar's 4-car consist (click to enlarge)

 Gautrain at OR Tambo International Airport Station

Enjoy the Beautiful Game!

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