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The launch of the Gautrain on Tuesday is a "new dawn" for public transport in South Africa, Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele said.
Ndebele told journalists in Johannesburg that the train would stimulate economic growth throughout Africa.
"This morning South Africans experienced a historic moment, and a new dawn in public transport, as the much-awaited Gautrain officially commenced operation," Ndebele said in a speech prepared for delivery at the event.
"This golden train of our country's economic hub will stimulate economic growth in South Africa and the rest of the African Continent."
Ndebele praised the train as "a clear demonstration" of world-class comfort.
Computerised technology will monitor every component of the rail system, including all stations, trains and the entire fleet of buses dedicated to Gautrain commuters, he said.
Ndebele was confident that South Africa's transport system will meet the needs of the tens of thousands of tourists expected for the World Cup.
"With only two days left to kick-off for the 2010 Fifa World Cup, as government, we are confident that South Africa's integrated transport infrastructure and networks will meet the needs of the World Cup.
"Government has invested more than R40 billion on public transport infrastructure for the 2010 World Cup, to ensure that the tournament leaves a rich legacy for our country and continent."
He said all World Cup host cities were ready to implement and roll-out their operational transport plans.
"The inter-provincial and regional transport system consists of semi-luxury buses and midi-buses from the taxi industry to run during match and non-match days," Ndebele said.
"This will help ease traffic congestion on the main routes. Ultimately, it will also contribute to safer conditions for allroad users."
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