Passengers to Pay More

Publication: Roodepoort Record

Author: Adéle Bloem

Image by: Antonio Muchave

Metrobus and Rea Vaya bus fares will increase from 1 July.

Commuters making use of the City of Johannesburg’s (CoJ) bus services, will be paying more for their rides from 1 July.

The CoJ’s two bus services – Metrobus and the Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) – will see a fare increase of 6,2 per cent and 6 per cent respectively for the 2017/ 18 financial year. This increase was approved by the city’s Mayoral Committee on Transport, after consulting with all stakeholders, including the Commuter Forum, and is in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI), the city’s pro-poor budget and other market-related cash fares.

After the increase, commuters using cash to travel via Metrobus will pay R10,80 per single trip – an increase of 60 cents. Scholars in uniform will pay R7,80 (also an increase of 60 cents) per single trip, while 130 trips for the term will cost R760,50. Forty-four trips will cost R257,50 and 10 trips R58,50. Fares for children aged between three and 12 will range from R7,80 to R18,80.

Pensioners will pay R185 for 200 trips and this will be valid for one year – irrespective of the number of zones travelled. They will also be eligible for a 50 per cent discount on multi-journey trips during off peak times (8am – 2pm). Should they travel during peak times, normal adult fares will apply.

Commuters with disabilities will pay R371 for 100 trips, valid for six months – irrespective of the number of zones travelled and will also qualify for a 50 per cent discount. Commuters will also be able to buy a smart card for R64.

Private bus hire and contracts to schools, hospitals and private companies, will be increased by 7 per cent.

According to Metrobus, monthly trips will now cost:

• Between R421,20 and R1 053 (for 52 trips)

• Between R356,40 and R 891 (for 44 trips)

• Between R113,40 and R283,50 (for 14 trips)

• Between R97,20 and R243 (for 12 trips)

• Between R81 and R202,50 (for 10 trips)

Rea Vaya fares will increase by 80 cents – from R6,20 to R7 – for the shortest trip, while the furthest point fare increases by 40 cents – from R14,10 to R14,50. A single trip card will now cost 40 cents more (R15) and smart cards will be available for R28.

The penalty fee has increased to R14,50 and the inspector fare evasion penalty to R25.

Because the majority of Metrobus and Rea Vaya commuters make use of coupons or smart cards for multiple trips, they will qualify for a 25 per cent discount, making them far cheaper than cash fares.

For more information, commuters can call 0860 562 874 or 011 403 4300 for both companies. Alternatively, they can visit www.mbus.co.za or www.reavaya.org.za.