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South African rail commuters are now travelling to their destinations in style.

When the idea of a luxury commuter train was first mooted in 2006, most couldn’t even imagine it becoming a reality. Yet, since the Wits Metrorail region unveiled South Africa’s first luxury commuter train at Naledi Station, Soweto, in 2007, the highly successful service has caught on and now includes the popular Khayelitsha business express service, as well as those between Strand and Cape Town in the Western Cape, and between Pretoria and Johannesburg in Gauteng.

The concept was simple: change the public’s perception of rail by:

  • Demonstrating the comfort and convenience of train travel;
  • Providing commuters with a choice of rail services;
  • Restoring dignity to rail travel; and
  • Responding to customer willingness to pay for a superior service.

The express trains sport brand new livery and are instantly recognisable. The comfortable seats, curtains and carpets ensure a fresh and luxurious look. Onboard services include cabin and security crew, a complimentary daily newspaper and refreshments. The Strand to Cape Town Premium Express also boasts two LCD screens per carriage allowing state-of-the-art onboard communication.

Fast Facts:

2007 SOWETO BUSINESS EXPRESS

  • Area: Soweto to Johannesburg
  • Seating Capacity: 360
  • Stopping Stations: Naledi, Dube, Johannesburg, Park Station
  • Average Travel Time: 90 minutes

2007 KHAYELITSHA EXPRESS

  • Area: Khayelitsha to Cape Town
  • Seating Capacity: 300
  • Stopping Stations: Khayelitsha, Heideveld, Mutual, Cape Town
  • Average Travel Time: 40 minutes

2008 TSHWANE BUSINESS EXPRESS

  • Area: Pretoria to Johannesburg
  • Seating Capacity: 520
  • Stopping Stations: Pretoria, Centurion, Kempton Park, Johannesburg Park Station
  • Average Travel Time: 90 minutes

2009 PREMIUM EXPRESS

  • Area: Strand to Cape Town
  • Seating Capacity: 252
  • Stopping Stations: Strand, Somerset West, Firgrove, Eerste River, Kuilsriver, Mutual, Cape Town
  • Average Travel Time: 70 minutes

2009 GAUTENG BUSINESS EXPRESS

  • Area: Pretoria to Johannesburg
  • Seating Capacity: 520 with Wheelchair Facilities
  • Stopping Stations: Pretoria, Centurion, Kempton Park, Johannesburg Park Station
  • Average Travel Time: 90 minutes