EThekwini Municipality has announced an increase of Durban Transport Fares which will be effective from 1 May, subject to approval at a full council meeting to be held later this month.
The Durban Transport bus service that provides access and mobility to approximately 50 000 passengers daily is due to increase by 7.7%. The increase is part of the contract which stipulates that fares must be reviewed and increased annually in keeping with inflation and to ensure operating services are maintained. Durban resident, Linda Smith, said: “I am not happy with the increase because we are not earning enough as it is, now there is an increase which we cannot afford. With Covid-19 most people lost their jobs, and some were retrenched, so how are they expected to go job-hunting if the bus fares are being increased. Bus fares should remain the same until Covid-19 issues are over.” Speaking on the increase mayor, Cllr Mxolisi Kaunda, said: “We are aware that given the economic climate the increase is not easy for our residents but it is appreciated that it is lower than the previous year’s 8.85% increase.”
He added that an Independent Economic Assessment by Transport Economic Support Service (TESS), appointed by the KZN Department of Transport is done annually to inform the recommended fare increase based on economic indicators. “As per the report the non-approval or non-implementation of the annual fare increase would result in a situation where the operator can claim for financial losses against the municipality, as was previously done. It was also noted at the meeting that the litigation standoff between the Municipality and Tansnet is set for adjudication in May and plans for setting up an entity to operate the bus service is at an advanced stage,” said Cllr Kaunda.
