Commuters in Cape Town are frustrated as MyCiTi bus fares increase by 5% starting today, Monday 1 July, adding further strain to their daily expenses.
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According to News24, a weekday trip in peak hours between 6:45am to 8am and 4:15pm to 5:30pm, from the Table View station to the Civic Centre in the CBD, usually costs R20.90. The price hike will see the same trip cost you R21.91.
Outside peak hour trips cost R16.90 on a weekday or any time on weekends and public holidays. This cost will now rise to R17.75.
MyCiTi adjusts its fares annually, following the conclusion of the City of Cape Town’s annual budget process.
However, Capetonians are not happy with the price hikes.
Mkhululi Mpofu (32) from Khayelitsha says he is struggling to stay afloat due to high inflation.
Mpofu commutes daily from Khayelitsha to the Cape Town CBD and states that the increase would place a significant strain on his finances.
Mpofu commented that customer service was declining as MyCiTi’s fares rise.
He highlighted several issues, including bus doors that often fail to open properly and malfunctioning tap-out systems.
Ababalwe Ndamase (38) from Parklands believes the fare increase will drive more people to take taxis despite safety concerns.
Ndamase urged MyCiTi to add more buses and improve customer service at kiosks, where cashiers often cause delays by using their phones or chatting.
Ndamase also complained that passengers get wet inside the buses when it rains.
Ndamase stated that the MyCiTi is moving away from accommodating people and is becoming the worst transportation option.
Martin Toontjies (32) from Dunoon, insists public transport can be affordable.
Toontjies believes prices should be lowered for those relying on these services, especially for buses that aren’t fully functional.
Toontjies struggles with tapping out when commuting from Dunoon to Century City for work, often walking 10 minutes to the Omuramba MyCiTi bus stop.
Sometimes, no buses are available, causing unplanned work commutes.
The City of Cape Town cited increased vehicle operating costs, including diesel and price indexes, as the primary reason for this year’s fare increase.
The current MyCiTi tariffs adjust for diesel price fluctuations.
The City noted that operational costs affect service expansion, with capital funding from the national government used to extend routes into new areas.
Also read:
City says MyCiTi bus depot on track to be completed next year
Picture: MyCiTi Bus / Facebook