Gautrain to revise its offerings

IN WHAT could be good news for rail commuters and in response to the changing ridership patterns post-COVID-19, the Gautrain announced that it plans to focus on customer related groups and their specific needs. The agency said it will be adapting its products and services to make local travel more accessible for a diverse range of passengers.

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Gautrain Management Agency (GMA) CEO Kgobe Kgobe said the service has drastically and permanently altered the transit industry. Former frequent commuter economies to work from home or hybrid work remain prevalent.

“The days of a predictable 9-to-5, Monday through Friday commute are over. Passengers are demanding that we run a frequent service throughout the day and offer dynamic pricing to suit their hybrid work schedules. And with the rising cost of living, cost is increasingly becoming the sole determinant when choosing a mode of transport,” Kgobe said.

Across the world, rail operators continue to adjust to changing rider-ship patterns by adapting their service offerings accordingly, according to Kgobe, the Gautrain recently commissioned a brand study, which found that the rapid rail link has maintained its brand positioning as a safe, efficient, clean and convenient service. However, there is an indication that the brand is perceived as inaccessible to some market segments.

“This presents an opportunity to respond innovatively to changing customer needs, preferences and patterns,” Kgobe indicated.

In November 2023, the Gautrain kick-started the process to appoint a new delivery partner who will operate, maintain, modernise, innovate, and upgrade the Gautrain system and enter into a current concession agreement comes to an end in March 2026.