The implementation of minibus taxi fare increases across the Western Cape took effect on Monday, with commuters now paying more for both local and long-distance travel.
The hikes, ranging between R2 and R5 for local trips, have raised concern among commuters already grappling with the rising cost of living.
The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) second deputy chairperson Nazeem Abduraghman said the decision was not taken lightly, citing increasing operational pressures within the taxi industry.
“I think what’s important to note is that the minibus taxi industry has always been community-driven. We’ve always looked at the interests of commuters, and we are now forced to adapt prices to continue rendering the service and to stay alive within the industry. If we do not increase fares, we will run at a loss,” Abduraghman said.
He added that the increases were influenced by global fuel price pressures.
“It’s a very difficult situation that we find ourselves in. It’s not our intention to increase fares, but we understand we are operating in poorer communities, and we are now forced because of the situation in Iran to increase our fares,” he said.
Meanwhile, taxi associations have called for government intervention, saying rising fuel prices continue to push up operational costs and place additional pressure on commuters.
Western Cape Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku says government is engaging with the industry to explore long-term solutions.
“As the Western Cape government, we are looking forward to those conversations and ultimately to an answer on how we can better use current grants. Some modes of public transport are subsidised and some are not, and the National Department of Transport is embarking on reforms to ensure better value for money in public transport grants,” Sileku said.
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