A luxury business express-train service is set to hit Soweto’s tracks in March, Metrorail said on Wednesday.
Spokesperson Brenda Motau said the 530-seat train is being launched by Metrorail to run between Soweto and Johannesburg.
”It is expected to begin a trial phase in March and be fully operational by April,” said Motau.
The Soweto Express — designed to complement the Gautrain in areas not included in the rapid rail link’s planned route — is aimed to satisfy middle-class travellers’ demands.
The train will have uniformed attendants — similar to airline cabin attendants — who will serve drinks to passengers.
The township’s business commuters will get free newspapers handed to them while on the train.
Security guards will also be present.
Commuters of the express will use separate ticket-sale points and boarding entrances.
The train will begin its route at Naledi station, with stops at Ikhwezi and Dube stations in Soweto before reaching Johannesburg.
Motau denied suggestions that Metrorail might have been forced to introduce the new express after complaints that the existing trains were unsafe and always late.
”Metrorail needs to respond to changes our customers go through.
”If they earn more, we have to accommodate that, while also tapping into markets where new customers exist.”
Ticket pricing will only be announced before the train’s launch. — Sapa