Golden Arrow Bus Services has announced an increase of 2.7% in bus fares from Monday, 18 September. The rise in fare comes in response to the recent rise in fuel prices, with the cost of petrol at R1.71 per litre and diesel at R2.84 per litre.
Also read: Prepare for costlier commutes: A steep fuel price hike looms for September
According to Derick Meyer, the general manager of Golden Arrow, the company has been facing considerable pressure to deliver the quality of service that passengers rightfully expect and deserve due to increasing operational expenses, including fuel costs, and a history of implementing fare hikes significantly below industry inflation rates.
Meyer added, ‘In addition to this, contractual rates paid by the (provincial) government have also decreased in real terms. As such we will be implementing an average fare increase of 2.7%. The pricing of pensioner’s products will not increase.’
Meyer recommended that bus commuters economise by purchasing Golden Arrow’s gold card and loading weekly or monthly passes rather than using cash for payments.
‘To make the most of our product offering and access the greatest savings, we would advise that passengers purchase a GABS Gold Card and load weekly or monthly products instead of paying cash. 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,’ Meyer added.
Mandla Hermanus, the Chairman of the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco), confirmed that minibus taxi fares would remain unchanged for the time being.
Last week, Santaco released a statement requesting that the government ease the burden on commuters and the economy through a reduction in fuel taxes. This action would also contribute to reducing inflation and easing the constant temptation for the Reserve Bank to raise the repo rate, which could further impoverish workers and stifle economic growth.
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Cosatu urges govt to rethink fuel taxes amid economic strain in SA
Picture: Golden Arrow Bus Services