New train in South Africa

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CHamilton

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Interesting that this 100 mph train is billed as "high-speed."

All Aboard South Africa's High-Speed Train

The Gautrain links Johannesburg, the country's economic and business hub, and Pretoria, its political capital. With speeds of up to 100 mph, it is a smooth, swift, clean and chilly ride (complete with American-style air conditioning). And it's a safe ride, which is particularly important for a place like Johannesburg, known locally as Joburg, which has had a reputation for crime.

...

The idea behind the Gautrain was to get people using cars off the roads and onto public transportation in order to ease congestion.

For example, the drive between Joburg and Pretoria should take a little more than an hour. But it takes double that or much longer if you're stuck in traffic, which is often the case.

The Gautrain (pronounced HOW-TRAIN), which derives its name from Gauteng province, home to both Joburg and Pretoria, began service just before another first for Africa: the 2010 World Cup soccer championship hosted by South Africa.
 
The Gautrain rolling stock is based on a fairly commonplace British EMU, namely the Electrostar. Strangely they've decided to squeeze in 3+2 seating in standard class (pic:

) which seems mighty strange for a train serving passengers going to/from the international airport.
 
I should have recongnized it! I knew that it didn't look like an African design! But seriously, an Electrostar with 3-2 seating is way worse than American trains!
 
The "standard" trains in South Africa are narrow gauge, on curvy routes, and have truly low average speeds.
 
I think the South African trains on their 3'-6" = 1067 mm gauge track are about the same width as standard British equipment. South African speed limits are so far as I know on the order of 60 mph or less.

To have 3+2 seating on South African or standard British equipment either one is about the same as trying to stuff 3+2 seating into a bus.
 
I think the South African trains on their 3'-6" = 1067 mm gauge track are about the same width as standard British equipment. South African speed limits are so far as I know on the order of 60 mph or less.

To have 3+2 seating on South African or standard British equipment either one is about the same as trying to stuff 3+2 seating into a bus.
If you are correct, that is going to be very uncomfortable!
 
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