By Charmaine Ndlela
Thousands of Putco commuters across several provinces will pay more for their daily journeys starting on Monday after the bus operator implemented a 10% fare increase.
The increase, which took effect on 1 June, was announced by Putco on 20 May. The company said the adjustment was necessary to ensure the sustainability of its services amid continued fuel price increases.
Diesel prices have risen to around R32 per litre, placing significant pressure on the company’s operations. The bus operator runs a fleet of approximately 1,300 buses and consumes nearly three million litres of diesel every month.
Putco spokesperson Lindokuhle Xulu said the company had absorbed rising costs for months but could no longer continue operating without adjusting fares.
“We have been trying to remain calm and look at the situation, but unfortunately after two months the amount of money we have absorbed will not be sustainable in terms of the service we provide without implementing this fare increase of 10% to deal with the costs associated with the fuel increase,” Xulu told Newsroom Afrika.
Xulu said Putco had considered a higher increase but opted for a 10% adjustment in an effort to balance affordability for commuters with the need to keep the service operational.
The fare hike has, however, raised concerns among passengers who say they are already struggling with the rising cost of living.
Some commuters said they were informed about the increase in advance but questioned the frequency of fare adjustments, noting that transport costs often increase at the beginning of each year.
The latest increase comes as many South African households continue to face pressure from high food prices and electricity costs, with public transport remaining a critical lifeline for workers, students and job seekers.
Xulu said Putco remains engaged with government regarding possible relief measures for passengers, but discussions have yet to yield concrete results.
“We continue to engage government on interventions that could assist commuters, but at this stage there has been no relief announced.”
“We are hoping there will be meaningful interventions in terms of decrease even some movement around government in terms of subsidies itself but the situation is still the same right now and we are hoping it will improve increase of decreases.”
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