Three trains, three hours and 30 minutes later, we finally got there. The affordable but time-consuming journey from Joburg to Pretoria by train requires patience and more.
The train moves at such a slow pace I almost fell asleep on several occasions, and there were almost 10 stops in total along the way.
My Metrorail journey from Johannesburg Park Station to Pretoria Station was in some respects a pleasant surprise. I arrived at the station before 6.30am and was easily able to buy the R11.50 ticket, as there was no queue at the ticket counter.
At 7am I boarded the train bound for Germiston Station from a not-so-busy Johannesburg Park Station. The coach I was seated in had more empty seats than passengers, so I had more than enough space.
At Germiston I had to take another train to Kempton Park Station, where I boarded the train to Pretoria.
As a first-time rail commuter, I felt safe on the train — but the trip took far too long for a distance of about 50km
I arrived at Kempton Park Station at 8.07am and waited for the train to arrive at 9.10am. We eventually boarded it only at 9.30am.
The new trains are clean, and no eating, littering, smoking or carrying firearms is allowed on them.
If you are caught eating on board, you will have to get off the train or pay a R75 fine. If you are found smoking during a journey, you will have to pay a R50 fine.
If you are on the train without a valid ticket, you will have to pay a R40 penalty plus the normal train fare.
Priority seating was available for children, pregnant women, pensioners and people with disabilities. The train was wheelchair-friendly and had designated areas for them.
The ride was smooth and commuters were quiet, many of them reading with headphones on. Air conditioning made for a comfortable ride, and the presence of CCTV cameras and both SAPS and private security officers on board created a sense of safety.
After a three-and-a-half-hour journey, I arrived at Pretoria Station at 10.30am. As a first-time rail commuter, I felt safe on the train — but the trip took far too long for a distance of about 50km.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.