Bus commuters also hit by fare increases

Commuters using buses and the Gautrain have not been spared price hikes.

Putco spokesperson Matlaka Motloung said the bus fares increased by 9% on April 1, which was the highest surge introduced by the company in years.

She said increases are informed by cost drivers such as fuel, which accounts for 30% of operating costs, maintenance and spares.

Lat year, Putco raised its fares by 5%.

Rea Vaya buses are also set to increase their fares from July 1.

Spokesperson Benny Makgoga said Rea Vaya trips will rise by between 50c and R10 depending on the kilometres and trip type (single or double).

Makgoga said the company considered the consumer price index (CPI), income of residents in Johannesburg and the annual customer satisfaction survey to determine its fares.

“The primary purpose is to transport the majority of the people to access workplaces and the city’s facilities like health and recreational facilities, located along the key areas. It is always about being the most affordable mode of transport because if you look at the margin for increments, it is always between 5% and 5.5%,” Makgoga said.

He added: “The aim of the public transport is not necessarily to make money, but it’s to break even and allow people to get to key points within the city.”  

Even those using the Gautrain have started paying more after a 5.56% increase kicked in on June 1.

Gautrain spokesperson Dr Barbara Jensen said the company, however, reduced its parking fares by 12% to ease pressure on commuters.