Bus fares rise, petrol up by 59c a litre

COMMUTERS are in for a rough ride today with the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy announcing that the price of both grades of petrol would go up by 59 cents a litre.

And Golden Arrow Bus Services (Gabs) has increased its fares by 6.95% effective from December 27.

There was some relief for diesel customers with the price dropping by R1.59 in the case of 500ppm and R1.52 for 50ppm, while illuminating paraffin sees a 57 cent decrease.

As of today, a litre of 95 Unleaded petrol will cost you R22.81 at the coast and R23.46 in the inland regions, and 93 Unleaded will retail for R23.16.

Putting 35 litres into the tank of a small car like a Volkswagen Polo will cost an extra R20.65 in December, while 50 litres in a medium-sized car, like a Toyota Corolla, will set you back a further R29.50.

But some significant savings are on the cards for those with diesel vehicles, as refuelling a bakkie or SUV with 70 litres will save you R106.40.

December’s decrease will bring the wholesale price of 50ppm diesel down to R23.59 at the coast and R24.22 inland, but keep in mind that retail prices will be somewhat higher than that and will differ between outlets as diesel is unregulated.

Gabs says it will be implementing a 6.95% average increase across the board on all cash and multi-journey products (formerly known as clipcards) and Gabs Gold Cards. A once-off purchase will, however, remain at R35.

The company said the increases in the cost of diesel coupled with wage hikes and unexpectedly high increases in the cost of components had made it impossible to avoid raise fares.

The increase means a daily trip from Cape Town to Mitchells Plain will rise from to R36.50 to R38.50.

A weekly trip is up from R20.35 to R21.75, and a monthly trip is up from R18.65 to R19.94.

“We remain acutely aware that our passengers find themselves in the same difficult economic climate as we do.

“We would therefore like to assure our passengers and stakeholders that this decision was not taken lightly and that the increased amount is significantly lower than what is required to actually offset cost increases,” Gabs said in a statement.

The bus company said passengers could postpone paying the increased fares until January 25, 2023, in the case of 10-ride multi-journey products (which are valid for 30 days) bought on December 26, 2022, and until March 26, 2023 in the case of 48-ride multi-journey products (valid for 90 days) bought on the same date.

“To make the most of our product offerings and access the greatest savings, we would advise that passengers purchase a Gabs Gold Card and load weekly or monthly products.” |