Springboks vs All Blacks: Gautrain And PRASA Launch Integrated Train Service

As excitement builds for the highly anticipated Springboks vs All Blacks Rugby Championship Test Match on Saturday, 31 August 2024, fans have even more reason to cheer.

In a bid to streamline the travel experience, Gautrain has extended its operating hours for the event, ensuring that fans can arrive at the stadium in good time and depart without any hassle.
Trains will run every 30 minutes, with the last train departing from Gautrain Park Station at 10pm after the game.
This extended service will make it easier for fans to plan their journey, knowing they have reliable transport options available late into the evening.
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Gautrain, in collaboration with the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA), Emirates Airline Park Stadium Management, and the City of Johannesburg (CoJ), has introduced a seamless and integrated transport service to ensure that rugby spectators can travel to and from the game with ease.

This integrated service is designed to provide maximum convenience for the over 62’000 spectators expected at Emirates Airline Park (formerly Ellis Park Stadium) on match day. By combining the efficiency of Gautrain’s high-speed trains with PRASA’s local rail services, the initiative aims to alleviate traffic congestion and enhance the overall match day experience.

For those unfamiliar with the logistics, here’s a step-by-step guide to getting to the game.

Travelling to the Game:

1. Take the Gautrain to Park Station: Fans should start their journey by taking the Gautrain to Park Station in Johannesburg. Standard train and parking fares apply.
2. Transfer to PRASA at Park Station: Upon arrival at Gautrain Park Station, fans will find clear directional signage and marshals ready to guide them to the adjacent PRASA station. This close coordination ensures a smooth transition between the two services.
3. Enjoy a Free PRASA Train Ride: Match ticket holders will present their tickets at the PRASA station to receive an armband that grants them free access to the PRASA train service. The PRASA trains will run every 15-minutes from 10:30am to 9:30pm, with a quick 3-minute journey directly to the stadium. This service is free for all valid match ticket holders.

Travelling Home After the Game:

1. Return to Park Station: After the match, fans can catch the PRASA train back to Gautrain Park Station. The last PRASA train will depart from the stadium at 9:30pm.
2. Catch the Last Gautrain: From Park Station, fans can board the Gautrain back to their original station, with the last train departing at 10pm. As with the journey to the stadium, standard Gautrain fares apply for the return trip.

Safety and Security Measures

Given the large crowds expected at the game, safety and security are paramount. The South African Police Services (SAPS), Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), as well as Gautrain and PRASA security teams, will be out in full force to ensure the safety of all spectators. Enhanced security measures will be in place at Park Station, on the trains, and throughout the stadium precinct, providing peace of mind for all who use the integrated transport service.

Tshepo Kgobe, Chief Executive Officer of the Gautrain Management Agency, highlighted the significance of this initiative in promoting the use of public transport for major events.

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.

// Chief Executive Officer of the Gautrain Management Agency, Tshepo Kgobe

The partnership between Gautrain, Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA), Emirates Airline Park Stadium Management, and the City of Johannesburg (CoJ) marks a significant step in enhancing public transport for major events in the city.

As the Springboks and All Blacks prepare for another epic showdown, fans can focus on the action on the field, knowing that their travel to and from the game has been made as smooth and convenient as possible. This integrated service not only promises to ease congestion but also reflects a broader commitment to making public transport a viable and attractive option for all residents and visitors in Gauteng.

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