There are growing concerns among commuters that public transport fares will rise significantly, with potential fuel price hikes putting pressure on the system.
However, bus commuters in Cape Town have been reassured that current MyCiTi fares will remain in place for at least two months, with Golden Arrow Bus Services noting that it’s not planning to hike prices just yet.
With reference to the MyCiTi bus service, Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility, Rob Quintas, told SmileFM that fare adjustments are closely linked to diesel pricing thresholds.
Fare level 1, he said, is based on a fuel price of R24,12 cents per litre. Quintas said if fuel prices exceed this threshold for two months, then a fare increase would be considered.
“A fare increase is only triggered if the fuel price exceeds the next fare level for two out of three months or for two consecutive months. Only after this happens is the new fare implemented from the first Saturday of the following month,” said Quintas, adding that the current wholesale price is around R17,70 cents, well below the threshold.
As such, MyCiTi fares will remain unchanged for the next two months.
Golden Arrow has also noted that fare increases would not be implemented at this stage, but cautioned that sustained fuel price increases could force fare adjustments.
Spokesperson Bronwen Dyke-Beyer said the bus service is deeply concerned about the impact of fuel price increases.
“We recognise the financial pressures that rising living costs are placing on our passengers and remain committed to supporting the communities that we serve,” said Dyke-Beyer.
She added that the Golden Arrow is taking steps to absorb additional fuel costs and avoid fare increases for as long as possible. Dyke-Beyer noted that they are monitoring the situation and will communicate any changes when that time comes.
“Should these pressures persist or intensify, there will come a point where a fare adjustment becomes unavoidable.”
A similar sentiment was shared by the South African National Taxi Council, highlighting that the lack of clarity around fuel price adjustments for April have resulted in uncertainty in the taxi industry.
