Rea Vaya commuters will have to pay between 30 to 80 cents more to get to their destination as of July 1 due to a 6% increase in fares.
Smartcards will cost R20 at selected stations, with the loading fee remaining the same.
“The increase of 6% is based on the increases in bus operating expenses such as fuel price, tyres, driver wages and maintenance. The council of the City of Johannesburg increases tariffs to keep fares in line with inflation.” said spokesperson Benny Mokgoga.
The increase comes two months after bus services were suspended due to an unofficial work stoppage but drivers who were later dismissed from the company.
“I’m not happy with the service but there’s nothing I can do because the bus is more convenient than a taxi. With everything increasing, including electricity tariffs, petrol and food prices, we will eventually battle with making month-ends meet. 80 cents may sound like nothing but it does make a difference.” said commuter Nohlanhla Ndlovu.
Ndlovu added that City of Joburg should regulate Rea Vaya’s system as it gets faulty often. “Sometimes the penalty charged is not the commuter’s fault because the system is often offline and you can’t tap out at the end of your trip. Major improvements are needed to make this service world-class.” said Ndlovu.
For more information, visit the customer care centres at Orlando Police station, UJ Sophiatown station or Carlton Centre station. Alternatively, contact 080 056 2874
