Our trains

The X'Trapolis MEGA train – a South African first

The X'Trapolis MEGA is a state-of-the-art train developed to accommodate South Africa's 1.067m gauge rail tracks.

The train has been designed with safety in mind – it is compliant with all the latest international safety requirements – and also the need to provide a regular, reliable and on-time service for South Africa's 2.3 million rail commuters, a number that is expected to double within the next 20 years as rail becomes the transport of choice for large sections of the population.

The X'Trapolis MEGA boasts the following features:

• Accommodates up to 1,200 passengers in six cars, although the modular design permits adjustments for periods of higher and lower demand.
• The length of each car is 21.5 metres and the whole train is 131.5 metres long.
• Travel speeds of up to 120kmph with the ability to upgrade to 160kmph.
• Compliance with the latest international safety requirements including an anti-crash system that is designed to protect the driver and passengers in a collision.
• A lightweight, stainless steel structure which consumes significantly less energy than any other standard train.
• Each train will be built from 145 tonnes of South African-produced steel.
• 90% recyclable components and energy-saving features, including regenerative braking, which will allow for a 30% reduction in energy consumption compared to the best of PRASA's current fleet, ensuring that the new train is operating at a world 'best in class' level. The system redirects the energy generated by braking back into the train's power network, thereby reducing carbon emissions and costs.
• Each coach has six wide double doors, providing commuters with easy access, particularly for those who are mobility challenged, the elderly and commuters with prams.
• The interior is spacious and allows room for easy movement while large exterior windows, together with a combination of LED lighting options, provide a bright, welcoming space with lots of natural light. The gangways are wide and unobstructed and ensure uninterrupted views down the train, enhancing security.
• Air-conditioning, overhead luggage racks, Wi-Fi internet access, seating grips, CCTV, carefully-selected fabrics and finishes and large ergonomic toilets in some of the trains are among the features that take passenger safety and comfort into account.
• A monitoring system will ensure the trains are reliable and run on time.