FACT SHEET – SAFETY AND SECURITY

INTRODUCTION

With safety and security being central to Gautrain’s service offering, an Integrated Safety and Security Programme will cover all scenarios of degraded and emergency operation of the system. Gautrain has developed a number of important measures to mitigate the risks, including:

• Hundreds of CCTV cameras will provide recorded coverage of all stations and trains as well as key locations along the route;
• The SAPS Railway Police as well as Gautrain’s own security officers will be present at all stations, car parks and inside the trains;
• Continuous satellite tracking of all feeder and distributor buses and
• Secure fencing along the route to prevent unauthorised access and vandalism of critical system assets.

MONITORING THE ENTIRE SYSTEM

High specification Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras will keep a watchful eye over the entire system. All stations, car parks and trains will be monitored as well as entrances to the rail reserve, tunnels, and operational areas.

The cameras will be monitored at the Operational Control Centre (OCC) in Midrand which will also coordinate appropriate rapid responses to any abnormal situation or illegal activity. Highly trained operators will supervise the closed circuit television networks, security surveillance monitors, automated ticketing and access control systems, public address systems, emergency telephones and passenger information displays. The OCC will also maintain wireless voice communication contact with each station and train and bus driver.

The exact location of the Gautrain feeder buses will also be monitored at the OCC via GPS satellite tracking systems installed in each bus.

The OCC will also provide continuous location and status information of each train as well as operational information on the signaling and power systems.

In the case of accidents, security threats, power failures or other emergencies, alarm systems will register for the immediate despatching of the necessary safety, repair and rescue services. There is direct communication with all the necessary authorities such as the South African Police Services and the Gauteng Provincial Disaster Management Centre.

Regular maintenance patrols will also be carried out in the rail reserve to prevent unauthorized access and to prevent vandalism.

Overpass bridges will be equipped with special barriers to keep trains safeguarded from unwanted entry or objects being thrown from above.

SECURITY AT STATIONS AND INSIDE TRAINS

Only holders of valid tickets will have access to car parks and trains. Automatic fare collection systems will electronically scan tickets and smart cards swiped at station access gates.

Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) systems will monitor each station concourse, parking area and station precinct. In addition, the SAPS Railway Police will patrol each station. Adequate lighting will ensure that there are no dark corners which offer hiding places for unwanted elements.

Station platforms will be guarded by CCTV systems as well as alarms to prevent any unauthorised entry into tunnels or onto the tracks. Stations will also be secured by a three metre high steel palisade fence.

CCTV cameras inside each train will provide real-time surveillance of on-board activities. Live footage is viewable by train drivers and backups are stored at the OCC for future reference. Train drivers are in radio contact with the OCC and drivers have the option to communicate with passengers through a public address system, should the need arise.

To further enhance safety and security for passengers, each train will be manned by two security guards who also function as train conductors. Panic buttons placed inside the train can be used to call the security guards if needed.

Trains are prevented from moving until all doors are securely locked and all doors will remain locked until the train comes to a complete stop.

SECURITY ON GAUTRAIN’S FEEDER BUSES

Gautrain security officers will conduct regular random patrols on Gautrain buses. The bus service comprises 125 commuter buses which will run on approximately 36 routes radiating from the stations. All bus drivers will be in continuous radio communication with the OCC in Midrand.

To ensure convenience and safety for its passengers, the Gautrain bus service will provide bus stops approximately every 500 metres in built-up areas so that passengers only need walk a short distance to access transport.