Metrorail is responsible for transporting over 2.2 million passengers in the following operational areas: Gauteng, Cape Town, Durban and Eastern Cape at 317 stations of the 468 stations that Metrorail operates in, the remainder belongs to Transnet Freight Rail. Fewer than 3 percent of the fleet are coaches that were bought in the mid-eighties with relatively newer technology. Diesel locomotives are leased to assist with yard operations and provide the traction supply for the Eastern Cape services. Established as a fully fledged business unit of Transnet in 1996, Metrorail has focused on the delivery of commuter rail services in six major metropolitan areas, while assuming responsibility for the maintenance of the operational asset base.
