The Gautrain system is operated and maintained by the Bombela Operating Company under contract to the Bombela Concession Company. The Operating Company consists of RATP Development in partnership with SPG and Murray & Roberts.

During the development phase (which includes design, construction, testing and commissioning of the Gautrain project), the role of the Operating Company is primarily to develop operational plans and procedures for the safe and reliable operation of the system. This requires close interaction with the designers and constructors as well as with many external stakeholders including the Railway Safety Regulator, the Gauteng Provincial Disaster Management Services and the South African Police Service.

Trial Running will commence under the control of the Operator upon successful completion of testing and commissioning. During Trial Running the Operator will demonstrate it’s ability to operate the system in a safe and contractually compliant manner. During commercial operations the Operator is responsible to operate and maintain the system including the train and bus services, the stations and the railway infrastructure.