Ticketing method upgrades for passengers

Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport Dr Ismail Vadi has announced enhancements to the Gautrain’s ticketing system.

“Gautrain will be enhancing the current automatic fare collection system, with the key focus on interoperability and regulatory compliance,” says Vadi.

The Gautrain ticketing system will be upgraded to comply with national interoperable ticketing regulations and simultaneously offer additional functionalities.

“Once the upgrading has been completed Gautrain passengers with a contactless Gold Card will have the choice of topping up their cards online or with a smart phone,” says Vadi.

Furthermore, users will also be able to access the Gautrain services with their local or international bank-issued contactless credit and debit cards that are compliant with Europay/MasterCard and Visa standards.

The upgrade will cover the entire Gautrain network, including train stations, buses and parking. With the proposed upgrades most of the recently implemented Bus Rapid Transit ticketing systems in Gauteng will also be accepted by Gautrain services.

Gautrain undertook an open and fair tender process for the implementation of this upgrade and the contract has been awarded to Thales South Africa Systems.

The additional functionalities will be implemented in phases and should be fully operational in 2017. The project will be rolled out progressively, starting with a pilot on the East-West link between OR Tambo International Airport and Sandton. Thereafter, a full system implementation will take place. The execution of the project will be done after-hours to avoid ticketing service disruptions.

“This is a major benefit for visitors who will save terminal time when using the Gautrain to and from OR Tambo International Airport. The planned enhance- ments will significantly improve passengers’ experience and their access to the Gautrain services, which will support passenger growth,” says Vadi.

“The main objective of the ticketing upgrade is to facilitate the implementation of the province’s integrated fare systems, whereby public transport users will be able to use one smartcard to access different modes of public transport.

“Our goal is to make public transport more accessible, convenient and integrated. Gautrain’s ticketing enhancement will provide momentum towards achieving the objective of One Province — One Ticket,” concludes Vadi.