Getting Around Centurion Without a Car
Getting around Centurion without a car is possible, and many residents and visitors are exploring transport options that don’t rely on private transport.
Fortunately, Centurion offers a range of practical, accessible, and sometimes overlooked transportation alternatives. These include the Gautrain system, feeder buses, minibus taxis, e-hailing services, bicycles, and pedestrian routes.
This article explores each of these options to help you move around Centurion without a personal vehicle.
Gautrain and Feeder Buses
The Gautrain is the cornerstone of car-free movement in Centurion. Opened in 2010, the Gautrain is a high-speed rail network that connects Centurion to Johannesburg, Pretoria, and OR Tambo International Airport.
Centurion Station
Centurion’s Gautrain station is located near West Avenue and provides:
- Direct rail access to Pretoria, Hatfield, Midrand, Sandton, Rosebank, and Johannesburg Park Station.
- Access to OR Tambo Airport in about 45 minutes.
- Feeder buses and pedestrian-friendly pathways.
Gautrain Feeder Buses
Feeder buses operate in defined loops and schedules during Gautrain operational hours. Key bus routes from Centurion Station include:
- CEN1: Serves the Rooihuiskraal and Hendrik Verwoerd Avenue areas.
- CEN2: Connects the station to Jean Avenue, Clifton Avenue, and Centurion Mall.
- CEN3: Focuses on the Irene and Highveld areas.
These buses use the same Gautrain card as the train system, and fares are calculated based on distance. The buses are punctual, air-conditioned, and fitted with CCTV for safety.
Minibus Taxis
Minibus taxis are the most widely used public transport option in South Africa. In Centurion, they form an informal but highly efficient transport network, particularly for townships and lower-income residential areas.
How They Work
- No fixed timetables, but high frequency during peak hours.
- Taxis operate from designated ranks such as the Centurion Taxi Rank, Lyttelton Rank, and Olievenhoutbosch Rank.
- Routes typically connect residential zones with shopping centres, workplaces, and industrial areas.
- Payments are made in cash, and fares are lower than buses or trains.
Challenges
- Lack of route maps.
- Limited off-peak and weekend service.
- No formal customer service infrastructure.
- Safety concerns depending on operator compliance.
Despite the challenges, taxis provide crucial mobility for many Centurion residents.
E-Hailing Services
Services like Uber and Bolt are widely available in Centurion. They offer a convenient alternative to owning a car, especially for occasional travel or night-time commutes.
Pros
- Available on-demand via mobile apps.
- GPS-based navigation.
- Digital payments eliminate cash handling.
- Coverage includes all major suburbs: Die Hoewes, Irene, Clubview, The Reeds, and Rooihuiskraal.
Cons
- Surge pricing during peak hours or bad weather.
- Limited driver availability in more rural edges like Doornkloof or Mnandi.
- Often more expensive than minibus taxis or Gautrain buses.
Rideshare services remain a flexible option for those who value convenience and are willing to pay a premium.
Cycling Infrastructure
Centurion has started expanding its bicycle infrastructure, although it is not yet fully developed. Cycling is feasible in select areas with shared pedestrian paths and low-traffic suburban streets.
Best Areas for Cycling
- Irene Village: Quiet roads and tree-lined lanes.
- Centurion Lake precinct: Public paths around the mall and office parks.
- Eco Park and Highveld: Newly built developments with integrated walkways and cycling paths.
Considerations
- Limited cycling lanes in older suburbs.
- Few public bike racks.
- Little to no protection on high-traffic roads like Lenchen Avenue or John Vorster Drive.
Initiatives by local community groups and the City of Tshwane’s Green Mobility Plan are slowly improving cycling conditions.
Walking and Pedestrian Access
While not a common transport method for long distances, walking is practical within local precincts like Centurion CBD, malls, and residential complexes.
Where Walking is Feasible
- Centurion Mall area: Wide pavements, pedestrian crossings, and proximity to offices and residential buildings.
- Irene and Southdowns: Gated estates with walkable layouts.
- Office parks near Jean Avenue: Designed for short-distance commuting.
Limitations
- Incomplete sidewalk networks.
- Limited shade in summer and poor lighting in some areas at night.
- Safety concerns in isolated areas, especially after dark.
Despite these challenges, walking remains viable for short daily commutes or errands.
School and Office Shuttles
Many Centurion schools and large corporate offices offer private shuttle services for students and staff.
These are often:
- Door-to-door.
- Operated by contracted third-party providers.
- Timed to match school or work schedules.
Examples include shuttles for Cornwall Hill College, Southdowns College, and Centurion Academy.
Intermodal Transport Tips
Navigating Centurion without a car often means combining several modes of transport:
- Gautrain + Feeder Bus: Ideal for commuters working in Sandton or Pretoria.
- Uber + Gautrain: Good for airport runs or rainy-day travel.
- Walking + Minibus Taxi: Suitable for inner-suburb movement.
- Cycling + Gautrain Station: Available bike racks at Centurion Station support this mode.
Using the Gautrain App, Google Maps, and Moovit can help you plan multi-leg trips, find schedules, and estimate fares.
Accessibility and Mobility for Seniors and Disabled Individuals
Centurion’s transport system is gradually becoming more accessible:
- Gautrain trains and stations are wheelchair accessible.
- Some Gautrain feeder buses have wheelchair lifts.
- Uber offers UberAssist for riders with limited mobility.
- Shopping malls like Centurion Mall have pedestrian-friendly ramps and marked walkways.
However, minibus taxis are generally not accessible, and pavements in older suburbs often lack curb ramps or tactile paving.
Transport Safety and Security
Transport-related crime in Centurion is relatively low compared to some areas of Johannesburg and Pretoria, but safety precautions are still recommended:
- Avoid isolated paths and dark roads when walking.
- Use trusted ride-hailing services or book transport in advance.
- Be cautious with mobile phones and bags at busy ranks or stations.
- Always confirm vehicle and driver details when using Uber or Bolt.
Metro police occasionally monitor taxi routes, and CCTV is common at Gautrain stations.
Getting around Centurion without a car is not an everyday activity for many people living in Centurion, but it is possible.
