Expanding the Gautrain network and improving links between rail and other transport modes would make public transport meaningfully more attractive and cut the number of transfers commuters are forced to make, the Gautrain Management Agency says.

The agency's Malebo Matolong argued that the current system is not seamless and that the burden falls hardest on working women. "If you are a mother and you are transitioning, you have to drop off kids as well, then you must understand that additional time that you also need," she said.

"I think what this then offers the general public of Gauteng is reliability. They'll have a reliable system. They'll have an efficient public transport system. That then also assists them to connect to work, connect amongst people, connect to economic opportunities and connect to services."

The Bulletin's position is that expansion must not become a corridor for the affluent alone. Any extension of the network has to be judged by whether it shortens the journey of a domestic worker from Tembisa, a nurse from Mamelodi and an apprentice from Sebokeng — not only by whether it fills seats between Sandton and the airport.

Branches along proposed corridors are asked to convene community consultations and submit written inputs through their regions.