Commuters have been dealt another blow after Golden Arrow Bus Services (Gabs) announced that fares will increase on Monday, 14 March.
According to Gabs’s general manager Derick Meyer, the company’s interim operating contract with the provincial government make provision for fares adjustments in order to mitigate the effects of operational cost increases.
“Considering the current global unrest and the accompanying economic effects it is clear that the South African economy is going to continue to find itself in a very difficult position.
“The diesel price has increased by 81% in the last 18 months and current projections predict that fuel prices will continue to soar. This has knock-on effects across our supply chain,” Meyer said.
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Meyer went on to say, Gabs only implements one increase per year, however, the company now finds itself in the very difficult position of having to find the balance between what is affordable for their passengers and what is needed to compensate for unrelenting cost increases across operations.
“It has therefore become necessary to implement an interim fares increase of 8% across the board as of 14 March 2022. We must also caution that further increases may become necessary as the year progresses.
“To make the most of our product offerings 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, will remain at R35,” Meyer added.
Increase
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