Johannesburg -
At least 40 trains will be transporting mourners to the memorial service of former president Nelson Mandela, Metrorail said on Sunday night.
The trains, which have the capacity to transport between 60 000 and 80 000 people from all over Gauteng, will be free of charge, it said in a statement.
“Metrorail will provide a safe, reliable, efficient and hassle-free transport service to thousands of mourners expected to attend the official memorial service to reflect on Madiba's life and his contribution to the world.
“Metrorail invites Gauteng residents to make use of the available trains to share in the sombre... occasion of the loss of the African jewel and rejoice in commemorating the legacy and life of our first democratically elected transformational leader.”
Mandela died at his home in Houghton, Johannesburg, on Thursday night at the age of 95.
The memorial service will be held at the FNB stadium on Tuesday.
The train service will run from 5am.
Metrorail said it would also transport passengers to the overflow venues - Ellis Park Stadium, Orlando Stadium and the Dobsonville Stadium.
Autopax, a subsidiary of the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa, has also made 300 buses available to transport dignitaries to the FNB stadium. - Sapa