Commuters have their say of bus fare ‘reduction’
The metro’s fare adjustment is designed to make local and long-distance travel more affordable, with an average fare reduction of R2 across various routes.
Tshwane’s recent overhaul to bus fare tariffs, which came into effect on July 1, has been met with a blend of optimism and scepticism by both Tshwane Bus Services (TBS) and A Re Yeng bus users.
The new tariffs aim to alleviate the financial strain on commuters by significantly reducing fares for both bus operations.
Tshwane commuters say they had noted the marked reduction in fares, but felt as though the bus system had not evolved.
MMC for Roads and Transport Katlego Mathebe said the metro’s fare adjustment is designed to make local and long-distance travel more affordable, with an average fare reduction of R2 across various routes.
“This initiative comes as part of the metro’s broader effort to enhance public transport accessibility and affordability, recognising that many South Africans allocate a substantial portion of their disposable income to transit costs,” said Mathebe.
Mathebe said the metro has emphasised that these changes are intended to improve affordability while boosting ridership levels.
“The introduction of the Connector Card, necessary for accessing the services, is part of a broader strategy to streamline fare collection and enhance service efficiency,” she said.
Alex Mabuza, a frequent user of the TBS, expressed disbelief, “They said they’ve decreased the price but for some of us, we don’t see any change.
“The bus charges R11.50 from town and R10.50 when I get off where I stay [Orchards],” said Mabuza.
Mabuza said the bus fare is almost the same as the taxi fare.
“I don’t see any reduction and I’d rather take a taxi even though it’s not convenient at times but at least in a taxi, I can sit down comfortably. The buses are always packed and imagine going home from work, tired and having to stand until your destination. It’s ridiculous.”
Pulane Bande said Tshwane is unfair to implement exorbitant bus fares without consulting its thousands of commuters.
Bande said the adjustment was unreasonable.
“As a daily bus commuter, this has truly left me in shock because I pay double what I used to pay before July 1,” said Bande adding that before July, she had 45 minutes to an hour to board the connecting bus without charge.
“I didn’t pay any fare when I transferred – only paid a reasonable fee when I tapped out at my final destination.”
She said the new fare was not dissimilar to the taxi fare.
“I do not think that the metro is aware that providing transportation is part of service delivery, not just a business transaction.
She said the city needed to resolve the problem urgently.
Thabang Mkhwanazi, who relies on the A Re Yeng service for his daily commute to work, said he was concerned.
“While the fare cuts are appreciated, purchasing and replacing the Connector card for R65 still feels like an added burden.
“It would be better if the metro found a way to reduce or subsidise this cost too,” he said.
For some commuters, the fare reduction is a welcome relief.
Salome Moremi said she previously could not afford the bus fare, especially on longer trips.
“The new fare structures make a real difference for people like me who rely on public transport for daily commuting.
“It’s a positive step forward,” said Moremi.
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