The Gautrain Management Agency (GMA) launched a new midibus route to Lakeside, east of Johannesburg, which operates from the Gautrain Marlboro station. The official launch event was held in November 2022.

• The additional route is due to an increase in demand for public transport in the Marlboro area.
• A demand study conducted early this year revealed a greater need for public transport from Marlboro to the Lakeside/Greenstone area.
• The pre-Covid trips along this route numbered 31’000 per month, with this reaching 52’000 trips post-Covid, showing a need for additional midibus vehicles to meet the demand.
• Visit www.sandtontimes.co.za for more stories.

With the full cooperation of the Gauteng taxi industry, through a long-standing partnership, eighty new Gautrain-branded vehicles were launched to run the Midibus Feeder Distribution Service (MFDS).

The GMA has developed a contracting model that is a front runner in enabling the taxi industry to access subsidies that will transform the transport industry. The model is based on the number of passengers with a set profit level, which allows for the reduction of operational subsidies. This service allows the integration of the taxi industry with the Gautrain and other public transport modes.

The MFDS partnership model was developed in 2011, with the objective of providing a service from the Gautrain Marlboro station to Linbro Business Park. Due to the initial success of the partnership model in Marlboro Station, the GMA expanded its services into the Sandton station (discontinued); Centurion and Hatfield stations.

In Marlboro, the GMA partnered with the Alexandra Taxi Association (ATA) and the Alexandra, Randburg, Midrand and Sandton Taxi Association (ARMSTA). Lynnwood Bridge The two associations have since formed the Alexandra Transport Solutions (ATS), which is currently operating the midibus service from the Gautrain Marlboro station.

While the TTI Shuttle Services (Pty) Ltd represents the Tshwane taxi industry currently operating the Gautrain midibus service, from both the Centurion and Hatfield stations. The partnerships have also led to sustainable job creation and the alleviation of poverty. The provision of a feeder and distribution service is a key element in supporting the rail network and providing an interface into the existing and planned public transport networks.

The Gauteng MEC for Roads and Public Transport, Kedibone Diale said her department will support the GMA in their efforts to enhance the integration of public transport modes in Gauteng as per the Integrated Transport Management Plan25 (ITMP25). This includes devising strategies to improve accessibility to the Gautrain system.

For more information on the Gautrain bus route service visit the website.

Stand a chance to WIN with The Sandton Times.

Advertise on The Sandton Times today!

Head back to The Sandton Times Home Page for more stories.