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TRAIN SYSTEM
The Gautrain system has 24 train sets, each consisting of four cars. This is equivalent to 96 rail cars designed to run at an operational speed of 160 km per hour. Of the 96 rail cars, ten are specifically customised for use on the airport link, and contain additional features such as extra luggage space and wider seats. The other 86 rail cars are designed for commuter service.
While the standard train set comprises four rail cars, the configuration can be varied to ensure flexibility of service. To increase capacity after the initial period, an increasing number of train sets will be operated as eight-car train sets, comprising two four-car units coupled together. The train sets serving the airport link are made up of four-car sets, with the two front cars of the set being the customised airport cars.
Comfort
* Trains ride on air suspension to ensure smooth travel at 160 km per hour.
* Each car has two electrically operated sliding plug doors on each side, and two roof-mounted units, providing heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC).
* Each four-car commuter train set can comfortably carry up to 321 seated passengers.
* Attractive upholstery adds to the comfort - soft, woven cloth that is durable and easy to clean. Upholstery and carpets were custom-designed for Gautrain.
* On-level boarding, which is a standard feature of underground railways worldwide, is also the norm on Gautrain.
Matching the height and minimising the horizontal gap between Gautrains rail car floor and the platform allows easy access for children, mobility-impaired commuters, shoppers with heavy bags and the elderly - no 'mind the gap' on Gautrain.
* Each train set has a section allocated for wheelchairs. The entire Gautrain system also accommodates mobility-, sight- and hearing-impaired passengers.
* Cleaning personnel, as well as an automatic train washing plant, ensure that trains are kept clean inside and outside.
Real-time passenger information
* Gautrain is fitted with a fully integrated audio and visual passenger information system (PIS).
* External visual information consists of a destination display using ultra-bright yellow LEDs fitted to the front of the train.
* Inside the train, each rail car is fitted with two high-resolution display units which provide information regarding the train's destination, updates...