The Gautrain stands as a high-tech anomaly in the South African passenger rail industry

[mylesillidge]

One South African train operates like a high-speed metro line in Europe

The Gautrain stands as a high-tech anomaly within South Africa's rail industry, operating more like the high-speed metro lines in Europe than a local commuter line.

Launched in 2010, the Gautrain ditched the narrow-gauge 1,067mm railway tracks used in South Africa for many decades in favour of the international standard of 1,435mm.

 

[G.A.S]

The first is that the international standard gauge provides the stability required for the Gautrain to reach a top speed of 160km/h.
Secondly, it enables the rail system to access a global market of “off-the-shelf” train components and technologies.

The former just isn't true, as MyBB themself reported: "Metroblitz could complete that trip in roughly 42–44 minutes, with a top speed of 160km/h regularly recorded."

The main advantage is that standard guage allows buying standard components, technologies and rolling stock if needed.

 

[Heisenborg]

The anc are taking it over, let's revisit this a year from now

 

[Earthtree]

 

[The Gilded]

I love the Gautrain and still find it a marvel of technology. I love everything about train travel and hate everything about flying. I anticipate the day when we can easily take the Gautrain to Soweto for Pirates games or to FNB Stadium.