Johannesburg – Transport Minister Barbara Creecy on Sunday showcased Gauteng’s “ever-improving” infrastructure – including the Gautrain – ahead of the Springboks vs New Zealand Test Match.
The international event will see tens of thousands of rugby fans descending on the City of Joburg next weekend.
“I certainly am very excited about the test match between the Springboks and the All Blacks this coming Saturday, 31 August 2024,” Minister Creecy said.
“Today, in preparation for the Springboks’ test match, we are illustrating the integration between the Gautrain and PRASA rail systems (and other modes of transport) for the benefit of commuters,” Minister Creecy told a press briefing.
“I want to welcome you all and thank you for sacrificing your Sunday to witness how government is improving South Africa’s public transport system to be a truly modern and integrated urban public transport system.”
Officials present included the Gauteng Transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero, Group CEO of PRASA Hishaam Emeran, CEO of Gautrain Tshepo Kgobe and Ellis Park MD Pieter Kruger.
Minister Creecy said: “In summary, what we are showcasing today is the fact that here in Gauteng, commuters can walk or take a bus or taxi to a PRASA or Gautrain Station, and board a train to get to Emirates Park Stadium, formerly Ellis Park Stadium, via Ellis Park Station”.
Rugby fans who are going to Ellis Park can board the Gautrain at:
- Any of the seven stations between Hatfield and Park Stations (Hatfield, Pretoria, Centurion, Midrand, Marlboro, Sandton and Rosebank)
- Or any of the five stations between OR Tambo International Airport and Park Stations (OR Tambo, Rhodesfield, Marlboro, Sandton, Rosebank) – changing trains at Sandton Station.
The train ride from Park Station, in the Johannesburg CBD, to Ellis Park Station is three minutes.
Then it’s a short walk into the stadium.
E-hailing services will be able to drop off passengers from 11 am to 10 pm at PRASA head
office in Wolmarans Street, Johannesburg. The E-Hailing Zone at PRASA’s Umjantshi Head
Office is safe, well-lit, fenced off, and has secure parking facilities.
There is also signage directing fans to the E-Hailing Zone.
There will be safe and secure parking at the Rissik Street entrance to Park Station, with limited
parking at R50 for the day.
“Of course, rail is not the only component of public transport and needs to work with all the other components to ensure our public transport system becomes vibrant and viable,” said Minister Creecy.
“What we are doing for the Springboks’ game against the All Blacks will illustrate how different elements of public transport can and should work together.
“Just like various players in the public transport sector will be working to make the Springbok game a success, there will also be collaboration between different levels and departments of government in an attempt to provide a seamless and safe experience for all sports lovers next Saturday.”
More than 62-thousand spectators will converge on Emirates Airline Park to witness what promises to be an absolutely thrilling match between two of the world’s greatest rugby teams. It’s no surprise that tickets sold out almost immediately.
“We hope that the fans will enjoy and appreciate our integrated transport system – and we look forward to our 2023 World Cup Champions, the Springboks, giving us a spectacular win over the All Blacks,” Minister Creecy said.
