The Tourism Train Industry (Grade 11 NSC Matric Tourism): Revision Notes
The Tourism Train Industry
Introduction
South Africa's tourism train industry offers various types of rail services for both domestic and international tourists. Understanding the difference between commuter trains and tourist trains is essential, as each serves different purposes and target markets. This sector provides important transport options that range from basic daily commuting services to luxury travel experiences.
The distinction between commuter and tourist trains is fundamental to understanding South Africa's rail tourism sector. Each type serves completely different purposes, operates on different business models, and targets different passenger markets.
The difference between commuter and tourist trains
Commuter trains
Commuter trains are railway services designed to take people from their homes to their workplaces on a daily basis. These trains focus on practical, affordable transport rather than tourism experiences.
Key features of commuter trains:
- Metrorail is the primary operator of commuter trains in South African metropolitan areas
- These trains travel within cities or regions, not between different cities
- Routes are designed for local transport needs rather than tourist destinations
- Business Express trains operate on selected routes and offer enhanced services including:
- Fewer stops along the route
- More comfortable seating
- Complimentary newspapers
- Refreshments on board
Use by tourists:
International tourists rarely use commuter trains due to safety concerns, limited routes to tourist attractions, and reliability issues. However, domestic tourists may use commuter trains when already at their destination to reach specific attractions in the local area. The focus is on affordability rather than comfort or scenic experience.
Tourist trains
Tourist trains are specifically designed for leisure travel and tourism experiences. They can be categorised as either long-distance or short-distance services.
Long-distance tourist trains:
Long-distance services are known as mainline passenger trains or intercity trains because they connect major cities using primary railway routes.
- Shosholoza Meyl is the main example of a long-distance tourist train in South Africa
- These trains are popular with domestic tourists who don't own cars and need to visit family and friends
- Economy class provides affordable travel options for budget-conscious passengers
- International tourists often use these trains for "transport as tourism" - where the journey itself is part of the tourist experience
Transport as tourism concept:
The tourist class option transforms the train journey into a complete tourism experience by providing:
- Accommodation (sleeping facilities)
- Meals included in the fare
- Opportunities to enjoy scenic views through the windows
- The journey becomes a destination experience, not just a means of getting somewhere
This concept is central to understanding why tourists choose certain train services over others.
Short-distance tourist trains:
Short-distance services are called scenic trains and focus on specific tourist routes with impressive views.
Example: Atlantic Rail Steam Train
The Atlantic Rail steam train operates between Cape Town and Simon's Town, offering passengers beautiful coastal scenery. This service exemplifies how short-distance tourist trains focus on providing memorable scenic experiences rather than long-distance transportation.
Coach types available:
Sleeper coaches:
- Feature benches that passengers sit on during the day
- These benches convert into sleeping bunks at night
- Shared shower and toilet facilities are available for passengers
- Compartments can accommodate up to four passengers
- Coupés are smaller units for only two passengers
- Passengers who book sleeper coaches pay for tourist class tickets, which are more expensive than economy fares
- Passengers can either purchase bedding tickets on board or bring their own bedding
Sleeper coaches transform the train journey into an overnight travel experience, making long-distance journeys more comfortable and turning travel time into rest time.
Sitter coaches:
- Have rows of seats arranged like those on buses or aeroplanes
- Passengers who use sitter coaches purchase economy class tickets at lower fares
- Flushable toilets are located at each end of the coach
- These coaches are suitable for shorter journeys or passengers on tighter budgets
Additional facilities on long-distance trains:
- Lounge cars or lounge coaches serve light snacks and drinks, and some offer bar service
- Dining cars allow passengers to purchase refreshments and meals
- These facilities enhance the comfort and experience of longer journeys
Heritage, novelty and scenic tourist trains
These special tourist trains operate differently from regular scheduled services. They run on limited schedules or only on special occasions, making them exclusive experiences.
Purpose and appeal:
- They offer unique heritage experiences and travel through particularly scenic routes
- These trains attract tourists seeking nostalgic or special journey experiences
- Limited operation adds to their appeal and exclusivity
South African Heritage Train Examples:
- Umgeni Steam Railway - operates heritage steam train experiences
- Atlantic Rail - scenic coastal journey using steam locomotives
These trains usually require advance booking and are specifically marketed as tourist attractions rather than regular transport services.
Luxury trains
Luxury trains represent the premium end of the tourism train market. They transform rail travel into an exclusive, high-end tourism experience.
Accommodation features:
- Only sleeper accommodation is available - no economy or sitter coach options
- Various-sized compartments cater to different group sizes and preferences
- Compartments include en suite bathrooms for privacy and convenience
- Very luxurious lounges and dining cars provide elegant spaces for socialising and meals
All-Inclusive Luxury Experience:
Luxury train fares include much more than just transport:
- Full accommodation throughout the journey
- All meals included
- Drinks provided
- Laundry services
- Many other luxury amenities
This comprehensive service model distinguishes luxury trains from all other rail services in South Africa.
Tourism experience:
- Some luxury trains offer day trips when they stop at destinations along the route
- Passengers can explore attractions and then return to the train
- This creates "transport as tourism" - the train provides accommodation, meals, laundry services, and comprehensive tourism experiences
- The journey itself is the main attraction, not simply a way to reach a destination
Cost and target market:
- Fares for luxury trains are very expensive
- The target market includes:
- International tourists seeking unique experiences
- Tourists with large disposable incomes
- Travellers looking for exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime journeys
South African Luxury Train Examples:
- The Blue Train - one of the world's most luxurious train journeys
- Rovos Rail - offers various routes in restored vintage carriages
- Shongololo Express - provides extended tours through Southern Africa
- Premier Classe - luxury service option
These trains are marketed globally and contribute significantly to South Africa's luxury tourism sector.
Information provided on train schedules
Train schedules are essential tools that help passengers plan their journeys. They contain important details about when trains travel, where they go, and departure and arrival times.
Schedules
Different train services present their schedules in different formats based on their operating patterns.
Standard train schedules typically show:
- Departure times from origin stations
- Arrival times at destination stations
- All stops along the route
- Days of operation
- Service numbers for specific trips
Example: Shosholoza Meyl schedules
The Shosholoza Meyl timetable provides straightforward information showing departure and arrival times for regular services. This format is typical of trains that operate on consistent, predictable schedules throughout the year.
Example: Rovos Rail schedules
Rovos Rail schedules are more complex because this luxury service operates differently:
- Shows 15 different routes rather than just one continuous service
- Indicates specific dates in each month when trains travel on particular routes
- The date schedule doesn't show departure and arrival times - passengers must refer to the detailed itinerary for each specific route
- This format reflects that luxury trains operate on limited, pre-planned schedules rather than daily services
Understanding schedule formats:
When working with train schedules, always identify:
- What type of train service is being shown
- Whether it operates daily, weekly, or on specific dates only
- Where to find detailed timing information
- How many routes are covered by the schedule
Fares
Train fares vary considerably based on several factors. Understanding fare structures helps tourists budget appropriately and choose suitable travel options.
Factors affecting train fares:
- Route chosen - longer journeys cost more than shorter ones
- Class of travel - tourist class costs more than economy class
- Season - fares change based on demand
Seasonal fare variations:
Low season fares:
- Cheaper rates that apply during out of season periods
- These are times when fewer people want to travel
- Offer good value for budget-conscious travellers
High season fares:
- Higher rates that apply during in season periods
- Examples include December holidays and Easter holidays
- More people want to travel during these times, so demand increases prices
- Always higher than low season fares
Luxury train fares:
Luxury trains like the Blue Train and Rovos Rail have very different fare structures:
- Fares are much higher than commuter and economy tourist trains
- Prices depend on the type of compartment or suite booked
- Larger, more luxurious compartments cost more
- Fares are all-inclusive, covering:
- Transportation
- Luxurious accommodation
- All meals
- Drinks
- Off-train excursions
Fare table differences:
Rovos Rail fare tables:
- Do not show separate low and high season rates
- Rates are route and date specific
- Show suite price differences clearly
- Indicate single person supplements (extra charges for solo travellers)
Blue Train fare tables:
- Also show suite price differences
- Include single person supplement information
- May show seasonal variations more explicitly
Important for passengers:
- Always check which fare table applies to your chosen service
- Confirm whether the quoted price includes meals, accommodation, and other services
- Check if single supplements apply
- Verify travel dates fall within the rates shown
Remember!
Key Points to Remember:
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Commuter trains transport daily workers within cities, whilst tourist trains provide longer journeys for leisure travellers seeking scenic experiences or visiting destinations.
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Tourist trains come in different types: long-distance mainline trains connect cities, short-distance scenic trains focus on beautiful routes, and luxury trains offer all-inclusive premium experiences.
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"Transport as tourism" means the train journey itself becomes the tourist attraction, providing accommodation, meals, and scenic enjoyment along with transportation.
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Train schedules vary between services - standard trains show regular departure times, whilst luxury trains like Rovos Rail operate on specific dates and routes requiring separate itineraries.
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Fares depend on route, class, and season - luxury trains charge much higher prices but include all meals, accommodation and services, whilst economy options offer basic affordable transport.