Gautrain Newsletter – JUNE #1

Posted on Jun 9, 2010 in Gautrain Newsletter, Newsletter 2010

Dear Stakeholder
Gautrain Rapid Round-Up of this celebrates the momentous commencement of operation function held on 5 June 2010. And its first commercial trip on 8 June 2010.

GAUTRAIN RUNS AT 100% AVAILABILITY

During the first hour that Gautrain commence operations, nearly 1 000 passengers used the service between Sandton and the airport. The first train departed at 5:30am and excited passengers were already waiting at Sandton airport by 5am, hoping to catch the first ride.

Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane addressed guests at Gautrain’s Commencement of Operations event on Saturday 05 June 2010. “Gautrain is a foremost enabler of economic growth that translates into decent work and improved living standards. As can be seen through the construction of Gautrain, Gauteng continues to utilise and promote labour intensive methods in all our public infrastructure development projects to maximise job creation,” said Premier Mokonyane.

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MOMENTOUS CELEBRATION – COMMENCEMENT OF OPERATION FUNCTION

The moment that many South Africans have been waiting for has finally arrived on Saturday evening, 05 June 2010 when Gautrain celebrated its commencement of operations event. This historic moment not only marked a new dawn in public transport, but also the inaugural ride on Africa’s first rapid rail transport system. The cutting of ribbons at Sandton, Marlboro, Rhodesfield and OR Tambo International Airport stations symbolised a new legacy in public transport and the delivery of a modern, world-class integrated public transport system for the people of Gauteng.

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BOMBELA OVERCOMES FINAL HURDLE TO OPERATE THE GAUTRAIN

Gautrain’s Independent Certifier, Arup, issued a certificate for operations commencement confirming that Bombela has met all its contractual obligations to operate the Gautrain as from the accelerated completion date of 08 June 2010. This took place on 07 June 2010. Arup Project Director for the Gautrain Independent Certifier Team, Ric Snowden attributes the success of this project to a fully committed project team and a strong working partnership between Bombela and the Gauteng Provincial Government.