Cape Town — Capetonians have been dealt a blow after the Golden Arrow Bus Services confirmed there will be a fare increase from April.
Commuters can now expect to pay 7% more for their bus fare, but the bus company’s Bronwen Dyke-Beyer said the price hike was unavoidable, EWN reported.
“Golden Arrow Bus Services took the unprecedented decision to delay the implementation of our annual fares increase – which should have taken place in December 2023 for as long as we could possibly sustain it. Unfortunately, we are no longer able to absorb rising costs across our supply chain and we will therefore be implementing an average 7% increase on the 1st of April 2024.” Dyke-Beyer said.
She added that Golden Arrow’s interim operating contract with the provincial government makes adjustments to fares to offset operational increases.
“Golden Arrow is always acutely aware of the difficult economic climate in which our passengers find themselves. This average increase of 7% is not only unavoidable, but essential to ensure that Golden Arrow is able to remain sustainable and to maintain the same exceptional level of services which 96% of passengers would recommend to friends and family.” she said.
According to IOL, Automobile Association spokesperson, Layton Beard, said a 7% increase in bus fare was in line with inflation.
“I think a lot of this has to do with the price of fuel increasing. This is not great for consumers as salary and wages stay the same but everything else goes up. People at this point cannot stretch their budget in a very dire situation,” he said.
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
