South Africa's most ambitious rail project is taking shape between Tshwane (Pretoria) and Johannesburg. The Gautrain Rapid Rail Link will reign across a 80-km/50-mi network connecting both cities with Johannesburg International Airport and a number of intermediate stations.

The new high-speed service brings a promise of continued growth to burgeoning Gauteng Province. Seen as a hedge against spiraling fuel prices, Gautrain promises relief for traffic-weary commuters long tied to private cars and an ad-hoc fleet of mini-bus taxis.

The Gautrain Rapid Rail Link is scheduled to hit the rails in time for Johannesburg's hosting of the 2010 World Cup. That target should assure a steady flow of funding and adherence to the project's timetable.