Years after designing, constructing, partially funding, operating, and maintaining one of Africa’s most advanced rapid rail public transport systems, the Bombela Concession Company reflects on a legacy of reliability, innovation and service excellence that helped transform mobility in Gauteng.

As the 19.5-year Gautrain Concession Agreement draws to a close on March 28, 2026, the Bombela Concession Company will formally hand over one of South Africa’s most successful public infrastructure development projects to the Gauteng Provincial Government. The company leaves behind a legacy that has transformed mobility in Gauteng and set a benchmark for infrastructure development across Africa.

What began as a bold R26-billion investment in the future of public transport has grown into a world-class sovereign asset valued between R45-billion and R50-billion. Bombela Concession Company chairperson Kushil Maharaj said that the project stands as a testament to what can be achieved through effective public-private partnership, vision, and responsible stewardship.

“We are immensely proud of what we have achieved together with the provincial government and while the Concession Agreement concludes, the legacy of the Gautrain—built on uncompromising corporate governance, technical excellence, and strong concession and contract management skills—will continue to serve the people of Gauteng and South Africa for generations to come.”

A Gold Standard for Infrastructure

The Gautrain remains the only infrastructure development project in South Africa to receive an “A” rating from the South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE)—a distinction that underscores its engineering excellence and operational success.

From its inception, the project represented a pioneering Public-Private Partnership (PPP), demonstrating how government and private sector collaboration can deliver a complex infrastructure development project efficiently and sustainably.

Bombela Concession Company director Mzolisi Diliza said, “Beyond the trains and stations, the Gautrain story is about empowerment, opportunity, and national progress. We are proud that the project has helped grow South African businesses and demonstrate that the country can deliver infrastructure to global standards.” 

Operational Excellence

From design and construction through to daily operations, the Gautrain system was built to meet the highest international standards, delivering consistent reliability, safety and efficiency. Amongst its many achievements, the company celebrates the Gautrain having provided people in Gauteng with a reliable alternative to road travel between Johannesburg, Tshwane and OR Tambo International Airport, with trains running on time 98% of the time. This reliability has helped establish the Gautrain as one of South Africa’s most trusted and dependable public transport brands.

Gautrain’s strong reliability is matched by an exceptional safety record, which is unparalleled in South Africa. For example, since 2024, while transporting 22 .5-million train passengers, the company recorded zero contact-crime incidents at Gautrain, and only seven passenger property-theft incidents. The Gautrain is undoubtedly the safest public space in the province and probably in the whole country.

By moving millions of passengers from cars to rail, the Gautrain has helped ease pressure on major highways such as the N1 corridor, significantly reducing congestion and carbon emissions across Gauteng.

The project supported over 34 800 direct local jobs during construction and further created 3 400 additional employment opportunities for historically disadvantaged South Africans since operations began.

The system now represents a R45-billion toR50-billion world-class rail asset for Gauteng, forming the foundation for the province’s future rapid rail expansion.

More than R16.4-billion in contracts were awarded to Black-owned enterprises, with R10.8-billion directed to emerging Black-owned businesses, supporting transformation and economic inclusion.

About R2-billion in railway usage fees has been paid back to the Gautrain Management Agency, returning value to government.

Through the KlevaMova initiative, Bombela made Gautrain services significantly more accessible to low-income commuters, students, scholars and SASSA beneficiaries by reducing fares. 

Gratitude and a Vision for the Future

As the Bombela Concession Company concludes the concession, the company extends its gratitude to the Gauteng Provincial Government and National Government for entrusting it with a project of national importance.

Equally important is the support received from Gautrain passengers, partners, employees, and the people of South Africa whose confidence and backing helped make the project a success.

“As Bombela Concession Company hands over the system, it does so with pride, leaving behind a lasting legacy of engineering excellence, economic impact and world-class mobility for South Africa,” said Maharaj.