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Gautrain Implements Bus Service Between Rosebank and Park Stations Amid Suspension
The Gautrain Management Agency (GMA) has announced a temporary increase in bus services between Rosebank and Park Stations as a response to the ongoing suspension of train operations between the two stations. The disruption, caused by illegal drilling activities near the tunnel, has left commuters without their usual train service.
“We appreciate our customers’ patience during this time and are committed to working with all relevant stakeholders to resolve this issue and restore full services,” said the Gautrain Management Agency in a statement.
In a bid to minimize the disruption, the Gautrain has set up a bus service running every 15 minutes between the two stations from 5:30 am to 8:30 pm. This contingency measure aims to ensure that commuters can still travel between Rosebank and Park while the affected section of the rail network is under repair.
“We apologize for the inconvenience caused by this disruption. Rest assured, we are working tirelessly to resolve the situation and will continue providing updates to keep our customers informed,” the agency added.
The suspension of the train services is a result of illegal drilling on private property situated above the Gautrain tunnel. The drilling caused water and soil to seep into the tunnel, which has impacted the system’s ability to operate safely between Rosebank and Park Stations.
Gauteng MEC for Transport and Logistics, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, visited the site to assess the damage and oversee repair efforts. “Our primary focus is on ensuring the safety of passengers. In the meantime, a bus replacement service has been set up to keep commuters on the move,” she said.
The Gautrain Management Agency emphasized the importance of compliance with regulations under the Gauteng Transport Infrastructure Act (GTIA). The illegal drilling activities did not follow the proper approval processes, leading to the current issue. The GMA has called on stakeholders to adhere to proper procedures when making changes to land use or undertaking construction near transport infrastructure.
The Gautrain system, which spans 80 kilometers and connects major destinations such as Johannesburg, Pretoria, Kempton Park, and OR Tambo International Airport, continues to operate as scheduled at stations not affected by the disruption.
“We urge all parties involved in construction or land-use changes near transport infrastructure to follow the necessary legal processes to avoid such incidents in the future,” the Gautrain Management Agency concluded.
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