Gauteng Metrorail: Is it actually unsafe? Or is that just paranoid hype? | South Africa - Lonely Planet Forum

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Sun, 11 Sep 2016 02:42:36 +0000

Another question to those who know Johannesburg (I've never been, but am considering a visit soon):

Is the Metrorail Gauteng system actually unsafe? Or is that just paranoid hype? Or is it more of a conditional thing (only use certain places at certain times of day)? I have friends who visited ZA a few years ago who said not to use it, but I gather that the security situation has generally improved somewhat over the past few years. Lonely Planet's online place descriptions for Joburg seem to generally omit public transport (which is rare for them), and the hostels I've looked up tend not to mention proximity to Metrorail stations, another indication that it's not recommended for tourists.

Is there anyone reading who uses the system regularly (or has done so recently), or who specifically avoids using the system, and can give advice one way or the other? Like, is it a don't-ride-under-any-circumstances system? Only-ride-during-daylight-hours system? Stick-to-the-main-line-and-certain-stations system? I'd probably be looking to use it mostly between Park Station and Jeppe (for Maboneng), and maybe to get out to Soweto as well.

For reference, I'm a white American male, mid-30s, not flashy, zero Africa experience, and fully aware that I stand out and make a damn easy target (as most backpackers do) when I'm traveling in the Global South. But, I've also never had any real problems before, and have used public transport extensively in places like Mexico City and Guatemala City without incident. My inclination is always to use public transport whenever possible.

Thanks for your help!
Matt

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Sun, 11 Sep 2016 04:07:57 +0000

...Tack on an additional inquiry for advice re: using the Rea Vaya BRT system and the double-decker Metrobuses. Always safe? Sometimes safe? Safe in certain times and places? Recommended? Better than MetroRail Gauteng? Please advise. Thanks!

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Sun, 11 Sep 2016 06:37:55 +0000

Public transport in South Africa is not the same as in many other countries around the world. Unfortunately we have one of the highest income gaps and it's actually a third-world and first-world country mixed into one. Public transport is used almost exclusively by those who cannot afford their own car, so definitely out of necessity rather than convenience as opposed to in e.g. Europe. The result, unfortunately, is that these methods of transport are usually really overcrowded, the vehicles used not always properly maintained and often used by more desperate people maybe more likely to resort to crime (obviously not all of them). Personally I (and most people I know) would never consider using the Metrorail. It is not suitable for tourists either and you will stand out. You can of course use it if you want, but just be aware of the risks. The buses are better than the Metrorail, but just always be vigilant and aware of your surroundings and in general avoid using them at night or being outside at night alone, especially in the CBD. The Gautrain on the other hand is one of the nicest and safest trains, but only has a few stops. The Gautrain buses cover more ground and are much better and more reliable than the public buses. It is also recommended to visit Soweto on an organized tour or with someone who knows their way around.

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Sun, 11 Sep 2016 08:38:31 +0000

Great advice given above !
I can only second Lidia's advice, I would NOT use the Metrorail. The Gautrain however is safe to use (of course you have to use common sense like everywhere in the world).

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Wed, 14 Sep 2016 07:56:49 +0000

I personally wouldn't advise you to use Metro Rail. However, to get from Park Station to Maboneng or Soweto you could easily use the Rea Vaya BRT system. Uber is always another option, and certainly a better one after dark.

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Fri, 15 Sep 2017 01:00:23 +0000

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