Gautrain is preparing to launch its own e-hailing service called GauExpress, placing it in the same conversation as Uber and Bolt.
But the move is not simply because South Africa lacks e-hailing options. Gautrain is targeting what transport experts call the “last mile” problem.
This is the gap between a station and the commuter’s final destination. A person may take the train to Sandton, Pretoria or Midrand, but still needs another ride to reach their office, home, meeting or hotel.
That final part of the trip is where Uber, Bolt and other transport options usually benefit. With GauExpress, Gautrain wants to keep that journey inside its own system.
The service is expected to launch in October and will not require a separate app. Riders will be able to request trips through the existing Gautrain app.
Payments are expected to work through normal bank card payments or a Gautrain card, making the service part of the wider Gautrain transport network.
The main question is whether commuters will use it.
Many South Africans already have Uber and Bolt installed, and those platforms are familiar. For GauExpress to compete, it will need to offer a strong reason to switch, such as better station access, reliable pickups, easy payment or competitive pricing.
In simple terms, Gautrain is not only trying to move people between stations. It wants to control more of the full journey, from the train platform to the final stop.
The real test will come when the service launches: will commuters open the Gautrain app for their next ride, or stick with the apps they already know?