In a significant move to ease the financial burden on South Africans, the Department of Transport has officially announced a cap on public transport fares, bringing much-needed relief to millions of daily commuters across the country. The new policy, revealed this week, sets a maximum limit that operators can charge on common public transport routes — including taxis, buses, and rail services.
This development comes amid growing public frustration over the rising cost of living, with transport costs being one of the most complained-about expenses, especially for low- and middle-income earners. The fare cap is aimed at ensuring predictability and fairness in pricing for commuters who rely on public transport for work, school, and other essential travel.
Why the Fare Cap Matters
For years, commuters have been hit by inconsistent fare hikes — often announced without notice — especially in informal taxi services where pricing has varied widely between provinces. With petrol prices fluctuating and inflation eating into household budgets, transport costs have become a major strain on monthly income.
The new fare cap aims to regulate these increases, ensuring that operators do not charge above a set rate per kilometer or per trip, depending on the mode of transport. It will apply to both minibus taxis and formal transport services such as PRASA trains and Metrobus services.
Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga addressed the media, stating, “We understand the struggles our people face every day just to get to work or school. This fare cap is a direct intervention to shield them from unaffordable increases. It’s a step towards building a more inclusive and accessible transport system.”
How It Will Work
According to the department’s briefing, the fare caps will be introduced in phases, beginning with high-density urban corridors such as Johannesburg-Pretoria, Cape Town central routes, and Durban’s inner-city links. Government will work alongside provincial authorities and taxi associations to ensure implementation is consistent and fair.
A regulatory committee is also being established to monitor compliance, address disputes, and update fare guidelines annually based on inflation and fuel costs. Operators who charge beyond the regulated limit may face fines or suspension of permits.
In addition, the Department is launching a digital fare monitoring system where commuters can report overcharges via SMS or a mobile app. This is expected to empower passengers and increase accountability among service providers.
Mixed Reactions from the Industry
While commuter advocacy groups have welcomed the move, some minibus taxi associations have voiced concerns. A representative from the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) mentioned, “We support making transport affordable, but we also need fair input on the costing models. We hope government will engage with us before finalising enforcement.”
Economists, however, believe this could have a stabilising effect on household expenses and may even boost productivity by making transport more reliable and less financially draining.
What Commuters Are Saying
On the streets of Soweto, Cape Town, and Durban, the mood among commuters has been largely positive. “I spend close to R1,200 a month just on taxis,” said Thabo Mokoena, a factory worker in Ekurhuleni. “If this helps keep prices steady, I’ll be able to save more for my children.”
Lerato Molefe, a student in Cape Town, said, “Transport costs are always going up, but my bursary stays the same. This gives me some breathing room.”
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What’s Next?
The fare cap rollout is expected to begin in early July 2025, with full national coverage projected by the end of the year. Government says it will closely monitor outcomes and adjust policies if needed, based on real-world data and commuter feedback.
With fuel prices still unpredictable and economic challenges continuing, this intervention could mark a turning point in South Africa’s urban mobility landscape — one that places the needs of everyday people at the center of public policy.
