There’s some bad news for bus commuters. If you use Golden Arrow you can expect a 2,7% fare increase from the 18th of September. The adjustment to fare is to offset operational cost increases.

Fuel prices increased exponentially on Wednesday 6 September which will have an impact on the transport sector and people using private vehicles.

ALSO READ: Massive fuel hikes for September

The pricing of pensioner’s products will not increase.

Golden Arrow says while they remain cognisant of the impact of fare increases on passengers, absorbing additional operational cost increases is no longer possible.

The bus company cites increases in the price of fuel, and a legacy of implementing fare increases that are much lower than industry inflation.

In addition to this, contractual rates paid by Government have also decreased in real terms.

Golden Arrow has advised passengers to purchase a GABS Gold Card and load weekly or monthly, instead of paying cash, which will mean greater savings for commuters.

Weekly and monthly products are sold at a discount of up to 45%. GABS Gold Cards, a once-off purchase, are still priced at R35.

The new fares can be obtained from the Transport Information Centre on 0800 65 64 63 from 11 September 2023.

Meanwhile, SANTACO Western Cape says the taxi council has not yet made a decision on whether they will review their taxi fares.

Chairperson Mandla Hermanus says the association doesn’t normally adjust their fees in relation to fluctuating fuel prices, but if further fuel price hikes occur, they will have to reconsider this decision.

Both 93 and 95 unleaded petrol increased by R1.71 a litre on Wednesday.

Diesel was hiked by R2,84 a litre. While Illuminating paraffin prices was hiked by R2.78 a litre. LPG also increased by R2.26 per kilogram.

The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy ascribed the increases to higher crude oil prices, higher international petroleum product prices and the Rand weakening to the Dollar for the period under review.