Business Express train Cape Town

[theratman]

Hi guys,

I've searched the forum and the net for info on the business express train in cape town, can't find much at all(last update was 2011!)
Is the service still running and is anyone here using it? I am wanting to look into it as I've got a new job in town and can't be arsed for the ridiculous commute from the northern suburbs.
Getting hold of metro rail is a mission as no one answers the phone or replies to emails.

 

[Alton Turner Blackwood]

Which station will you commute from?

 

[theratman]

Going from what I have seen I'd likely leave from the Kraaifontein or Brackenfell station.

 

[USZA]

Email express@metrorail.co.za and give them the details of your travel.

They will send you the info. Take it from there.

 

[theratman]

Email express@metrorail.co.za and give them the details of your travel.

They will send you the info. Take it from there.

Thanks, I've already sent them 3 emails with no response I'm tempted to go down to the station but it'll take a huge chunk out of my day. Why aren't these things available online?

 

[Gtx Gaming]

Yes it is still active.

You go on waiting list to be able to use this train.

I have used it before ,you get a coffee and newspaper each morning when you get on the train

 

[theratman]

Thanks,how did you get on the waiting list?
At the moment I'm leaving around 5:45 to town and then leaving town just after 4.
I'd much rather catch the 06H53 and be in town at 07H30 and then leave to arrive back at 17H44.

 

[crackersa]

I hear the brackefell station has problems. apparently there has been a couple of attacks by the homeless people.

almost 2 hours to get home? you need to find a different route! from century city, I take Bassmon road, jump over to platterkloof and then get on the highway from there.

what's your core working hours? i'm lucky, if I get to the office at 6am, I can leave at 3 if I want.

disclaimer - I have no idea how to spell the street names, I just know which ones I need to take.

 

[Colin62]

You go on waiting list to be able to use this train.

I don't understand this part. It's a train ffs. If it's full, stick another coach on and go from there.

 

[theratman]

I'm taking that route at the moment crackersa,I go round the back of durbanville, past burgundy estate on n7 and then n1 at CC. It takes me about 30-45 mins so it's not the drive that sucks,its waking up at 5am so I don't have to sit in traffic. My core hours are 8.30 - 17.30 but I'm working 8 - 4 at the moment but I'm not sure how long that'll last.

 

[Alton Turner Blackwood]

You could always just use the regular train as well. The times you will travel are peak times. The trains will be full.

Never use the train in off peak periods.

I haven't heard of anyone being attacked on the trains in yonks!

 

[akescpt]

I don't understand this part. It's a train ffs. If it's full, stick another coach on and go from there.

its not just about the train. its the associated services like parking that they consider. you get secure parking at the station you board as part of the package.

 

[Colin62]

its not just about the train. its the associated services like parking that they consider. you get secure parking at the station you board as part of the package.

Even so, if there's demand, then make it happen.

Unless it's being run at a loss and it costs the council or whoever money if more people signup.

 

[theratman]

I was thinking of doing that, assuming I'd need to change trains in Bellville and catch the next train to Kraaifontein / Brackenfell. Prices seem dirt cheap too.

 

[USZA]

Thanks, I've already sent them 3 emails with no response I'm tempted to go down to the station but it'll take a huge chunk out of my day. Why aren't these things available online?

Funny. I emailed them on the one day and responded on the next day. Will check if there's a number in the email.

 

[theratman]

Thanks VernD,did you end up using the service?

 

[USZA]

Thanks VernD,did you end up using the service?

I received a reference number to buy my ticket yes, about 5 months later. Never used it though because I was just about to move by the time that I received it.

 

[Alton Turner Blackwood]

I was thinking of doing that, assuming I'd need to change trains in Bellville and catch the next train to Kraaifontein / Brackenfell. Prices seem dirt cheap too.

You don't necessarily have to change. There are trains that are headed that way straight from town.

You'd rather want to get on the correct train in town, than having to switch at Bellville.

FWIW I used to travel by train for five years and the only reason why I'm not anymore is because I now live in an area too far from a train station.

 

[Number Six]

If you can get to Kuils River there's the 2380 X-Plus at 06h30 which only stops at Belville, Goodwood & Mutual I think.
It's a newish train & no 3rd class carriages.
I often use the outgoing 2701 which takes 20 mins from town to Belville only stopping at Mutual.

 

[akescpt]

Even so, if there's demand, then make it happen.

Unless it's being run at a loss and it costs the council or whoever money if more people signup.

I think its the parking infrastructure. its right next to the station house. don't think they can expand it easily. and its supposed to be like an elite thing. at least that's how they pitched it at the beginning.