Passengers wanting to access their Gautrain discount must prove that they meet the income threshold and other criteria.
Gautrain is attempting to make its services more accessible to the residents of Gauteng.
The commuter train service launched a new product for qualifying groups that drastically reduces burdensome transport costs.
Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela praised the move, saying Gautrain would now be accessible to a diverse range of income groups.
KlevaMova discount available
The KlevaMova offering allows Gautrain passengers to apply for a 50% discount on their weekly, monthly and return trips.
To qualify, Gautrain users must prove that they are living in households with a combined annual income of R350 000 or less.
Other automatic discount recipients are South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) grant recipients, students under 25, school children and pensioners.
Those wishing to access their discount must pass through an approval and verification process by submitting the requested documentation.
Inquiries about the discount can be made telephonically, toll-free, on 0800 428 87246 between 5:30am. and 8pm.
Alternatively, passengers can inquire at any station, excluding OR Tambo International, or on the KlevaMova site.
Transport costs prohibitive
The discount aims to remove the prohibitive costs of transport, which the government has identified as a driver of inequality.
MEC Diale-Tlabela said the Gauteng Household Travel Survey showed that roughly 60% of households spent more than 10% of their income on transport expenses.
“The cost of transport remains one of the highest cost items for many households, particularly for households located on the periphery of cities, far from economic hubs,” stated the MEC.
“Affordable and accessible public transport is crucial for reducing the cost of living for many South Africans, as it significantly impacts household budgets and access to opportunities,” she added.
Rail transport is a key objective of Gauteng’s 25-year transport master plan, which aims to streamline mobility within the province.
“Taking more people off the roads will indeed bring numerous benefits, including less road congestion, road accidents, and harmful carbon dioxide emissions,” the MEC concluded.
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