The Passenger Rail Agency of South (PRASA) and the Gautrain have announced that its all systems go for the integrated train service to ensure fans can travel safely and conveniently to and from this weekend’s rugby game.
South Africa will take on New Zealand on Saturday at Emirates Airline Park, also popularly known by its old name Ellis Park Stadium, in Johannesburg.
“The Gautrain and PRASA will be offering a seamless and integrated train service for the upcoming test match to ensure ease of movement and convenience for all rugby spectators attending the Rugby Championship Test Match.
“Fans can catch PRASA’s People’s Train from Park Station to Ellis Park Station, which is situated at the heart of the stadium precinct,” a joint statement said on Thursday.
With over 62 000 spectators expected to attend the game, the people’s train has the capacity to carry 2 400 per train trip, making it the ideal mass carrier to the game.
The train will run at 15-minute intervals from Park Station to Ellis Park Station from 10:30am until 9:30pm.
“The Gautrain has extended its evening service and will run the normal train schedule. The journey on the Metrorail service will be free for valid match ticketholders, while the standard Gautrain train and parking fares will apply.
“Fans can catch the Gautrain from various Gautrain stations to Park Station and at Park Station proceed to the Metrorail platforms. Marshalls will be on standby to guide commuters to the PRASA trains. The last PRASA train departs Ellis Park Station at 21:30 and the last Gautrain train departs Park Station at 22:00 to all Gautrain Stations,” the statement said.
Both train services will integrate with other modes of transport including e-hailing and corporate busses that will be ferrying rugby fans to Park Station.
For ease of mobility and efficiency, fans are encourages to take the Gautrain from all the stations to Park Station, e-hail to Park Station, or park their private vehicles at Park Station.
A R50 flat fee will apply for parked vehicles. For convenience and safety of fans, PRASA has made its head office adjacent to Park Station available for drop-off and pick-up for e-hailing services.
This special train service has been planned to accommodate the large number of fans expected to attend, providing an efficient and stress-free alternative to road travel. Fans are encouraged to take advantage of this service to avoid traffic congestion at the stadium or cellphone network interruption.
“Safety and security remains our priority. To this end, the City of Joburg, South African Police Service (SAPS), Gautrain and PRASA will provide additional security at the stations, inside the trains and in and around the stadium precinct for the security of match-goers,” the statement said.
Gautrain Management Agency Chief Executive Officer Tshepo Kgobe said this initiative forms part of Gautrain’s efforts to be more inclusive by integrating with other modes of transport, and encouraging passengers to use the Gautrain to get to exciting sporting and lifestyle events such as this upcoming Bokke game.
“Fans can avoid road congestion by hopping on the Gautrain for a hassle-free, fast, comfortable and safe transport service to Park Station,” Kgobe said.
PRASA Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) Hishaam Emeran said this was an exciting time for PRASA as it rebuilds and restores commuter rail services across the country.
“To date, we have recovered 31 of the 40 corridors nationally. The Park Station to Germiston line, where the Ellis Park Station is located, is already operational. Using our internal staff, we have refurbished the station in time to welcome thousands of rugby fans on the day.
“Our role on Saturday demonstrates that we are more than just a commuter service for work and economic opportunities. We also play a vital role as a mass carrier, transporting people for leisure, entertainment, and sporting events.
“Our stations are strategically located near various iconic stadiums, and soon, we will be able to provide transport for other sporting codes," Emeran said. - SAnews.gov.za
