Pretoria - The Gautrain has been well received in Pretoria, with about 7 000 commuters boarding the train to Rosebank, Johannesburg, this morning.
This comes after the Railway Safety Regulator (RSR) issued a safety permit to the Gautrain's Bombela Operating Company (BOC), to operate Hatfield station in Pretoria.
According to Barbara Jensen, spokesperson for the Gautrain, the train takes just over half an hour to travel between Rosebank and Hatfield in Pretoria.
"It was a wonderful experience for all of us. Commuters were also excited with the train service in Pretoria," she said.
Jensen explained that the trains will operate daily between 5.30am and 8.30pm, including weekends. They will run at 12-minute intervals during peak periods on weekdays, and at 20-minute intervals during off-peak hours.
Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele and Gauteng MEC for Transport Ismail Vadi were among the first passengers of the Gautrain travelling from Pretoria to Rosebank.
It is expected that the use of the Gautrain will reduce traffic congestion between Johannesburg and Pretoria.
The first leg of the Gautrain between Sandton and the OR Tambo International Airport was launched last year just before the start of the 2010 World Cup.
Motorists who have had enough of sitting behind the wheel for two hours driving between Pretoria and Johannesburg will find the use of the train handy.
