Commuters in Cape Town are set to face higher travel expenses starting on Monday, 11 August, as Golden Arrow bus services enforces a 4% fare increase across all routes.
The hike comes in response to rising operating costs, which the company says have reached unsustainable levels, forcing them to adjust fares despite previous efforts to delay increases.
In a statement, Bronwen Dyke-Beyer, Golden Arrow’s spokesperson, explained, “We’ve made concerted efforts to delay annual fare increases, but due to continued and widespread increases in operating costs across our supply chain, we are no longer able to delay further.”
The company had postponed a scheduled fare increase in December 2024 to lessen the burden on commuters, but the latest adjustments are deemed necessary to ensure the continuation of services.
Impact on commuters
The new fare structure will see cash fares rise proportionally, while Gold Card users will still benefit from a 45% discount on weekly and monthly tickets.
However, pensioners will now pay R78.50 for their tickets. New Gold Cards will remain priced at R40, which is a one-time purchase cost.
Despite Golden Arrow emphasising that its interim contract with the Western Cape Government allows for such fare adjustments, the timing has sparked concerns.
With high fuel prices and escalating living costs already stretching household budgets, the fare increase adds further strain to commuters’ finances.
Continued Service Amid Rising Costs
Golden Arrow has stated that the fare increase is necessary to maintain service quality and continuity.
However, for many commuters, especially those already on tight budgets, the financial pressure is mounting.
While the Gold Card discount remains a key cost-saving option, the lack of major fare relief raises questions about the future affordability of public transport in Cape Town.
As the company and government work to address these issues, experts are suggesting that innovative public-private partnerships may be crucial to securing long-term, affordable transport solutions for the city’s commuters.
How often a week do you catch a bus?
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