MyCiTi bus commuters in Cape Town can expect to pay less for fares from 1 October.
The decision by the municipality follows consecutive drops in diesel prices.
On 17 September, the Automobile Association (AA) announced that there will be another expected diesel price decrease – a big drop of over R1 per litre – in October.
The AA said the expected reduction could be attributed to lower international prices and the strong performance of the rand against the US dollar.
Rob Quintas, Cape Town’s mayoral committee member for urban mobility, took to X to announce the bus fare decrease.
“We are pleased to announce some relief for passengers from 1 October 2024 when MyCiTi fares will decrease in response to the decreases in the price of fuel.
“The prices are adjusted annually following the Metro’s annual budget; this is in relation to the cost of providing services into the New Year,” he said.
In July, residents of Cape Town were frustrated by a 5% bus fare price hike, having to pay more for public transport while battling to afford basic needs.
Just months later, they will pay less.
Inland bus users will not be enjoying the same benefit.
City of Tshwane spokesperson Lindela Mashego said the metro doesn’t have plans to reduce fares, while Johannesburg’s Rea Vaya bus service spokesperson Benny Mokgoga said the council sets prices.
“Our prices were long set for the year and will be revised again next year,” he said.
“They are determined annually by council, not only considering the fluctuating diesel prices but the circumstances affecting our residents,” he said.
Lindokuhle Xulu of Putco said there will be no diesel price-related decreases in bus fares on their routes.
“Fuel has fluctuated several times this year, mostly increasing. We have not adjusted our prices in response,” he said.
Users of Ethekwini metro buses will continue to pay the current fares as the metro council has not announced that they will decrease.
* In a 2021 survey, it was found there was a general increase in households using taxis (from 9.8-million to 11.4-million). But a significant decrease was recorded in the number of households using buses (from 2.9-million to 2.1-million) and trains (1.4-million to 0.5-million) as preferred means of transport.
* The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy announced that the price of diesel (0.05% sulphur) will decrease by 79 cents per litre and diesel (0,005% sulphur) by R1.05 per litre.
