The Gautrain has launched the KlevaMova initiative which aims to make the commuter rail service more accessible to select Gauteng residents.
The offering provides a 50% discount on train fares to eligible customers, which include:
- Scholars
- Pensioners
- Students under the age of 25
- Recipients of the South African Social Security Agency’s disability grant
- Individuals living in households with a combined annual income of under R350,000
The discounts are available on Weekly, Monthly, and return trip products.
To qualify for the discount, interested individuals must apply by submitting relevant documentation, and are subject to an approval and verification process.
“KlevaMova forms part of government’s efforts to make the Gautrain more accessible to a large share of the population in Gauteng,” said Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela.
“With the launch of KlevaMova, diverse people across income groups will be able to access an efficient public transport service and improve their commuting experience, reduce commute-related stress, and enhance their overall quality of life.”
In addition to the KlevaMova initiative, the Gautrain announced that it is slashing parking fees at Gautrain stations to just R1 a day for a limited time.
“All passengers may park at a Gautrain station for just R1 a day when they ride the train from 1 April to 31 July 2025,” said Diale-Tlabela.
Big things coming
The move to introduce cheaper tickets comes after the Gautrain reported a massive drop in rider numbers in its latest financial statement.
Passenger numbers fell from a total of 13.9 million in the 2019/20 financial year to a dismal 7.9 million in 2023/24 – a far cry from the 47.5 million yearly riders the Gautrain predicted it would have by now.
As a result, the financial sustainability of the commuter rail service has come under increased scrutiny.
To ensure the long-term stability of the Gautrain, the Gautrain Management Agency (GMA) announced that it would be adapting its offerings in the coming months and years.
“The days of a predictable 9-to-5, Monday-through-Friday commute are over,” said GMA CEO, Tshepo Kgobe.
“Passengers are demanding that we run a frequent service throughout the day and offer dynamic pricing to suit their hybrid work schedules.”
While he didn’t go into detail on everything that’s in the pipeline, he did say that the GMA is considering a range of fare policies and pricing incentives.
It’s also looking to introduce more products and services that “address the needs of a diverse range of passengers.”
Furthermore, the GMA has ambitious plans to greatly expand the existing Gautrain network from 80km to a substaintial 230km.
The expansion is expected to cost in the region of R120 billion and will connect previously underserviced communities to the country’s economic hubs.
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