The City of Cape Town is implementing new MyCiTi fares from the start of next month, with fees to travel on the Mother City’s bus rapid transit (BRT) increasing by between 32% and 50%.
MyCiTi buses have been found on Cape Town roads since the 2010 FIFA World Cup, initially supported by the national government to serve as public transport to and from stadiums.
Since then, it has been a part of an integrated network of public transport in the city, connecting an increasing number of areas in and around the metro.
While the service is subsidised by the city, which does not draw any profit, fees were last increased in 2024 by a mere R10, and recent fuel price hikes have necessitated a drastic increase moving forward.
As a result, the city’s Urban Mobility Directorate has notified MyCiTi commuters about the upcoming annual fare increase taking effect on 1 July 2026.
The department explained that the increase is intended to ensure the long-term sustainability and stability of the bus service.
“Apart from real operating costs such as high fuel prices and maintenance expenditure, the City is also under pressure due to imminent funding cuts from the National Government,” it announced.
“To date, the city has absorbed the cost of the high diesel price; unfortunately, it cannot do so any longer.”
The City of Cape Town noted that the increases are subject to Council’s approval of the draft budget at its meeting on 29 June.
The MyCiTi bus fare increases will be implemented as follows:
- Between 38% and 45% for the 0 to 20km distance band
- Between 32% and 37% for longer distances
- 50% increase in the Monthly Pass from R1,000 to R1,500
The new fares account for the overall cost of providing the service for the next twelve months, including operational costs such as fuel, maintenance, parts, and tyres.
To date, the city has also absorbed the costs of the exceptional increases in the diesel price since March, protecting commuters from the impact at a cost of around R9.1 million per month.
“The increase in the Monthly Pass is being adjusted in line with sustainability,” said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility, Rob Quintas.
“This pass remains good value for money for those commuters who travel long distances on a daily basis.”
Necessary fare increases
The councillor added that no sector has been unaffected by the increasing cost of fuel as a result of the Middle East conflict, adding that MyCiTi is no exception.
“Our operational costs in providing a world-class public transport offering, matched with fuel price increases, have informed our current fare adjustments,” he said.
“We will, however, monitor the fluctuations in the fuel price and adjust our fares accordingly at the first viable opportunity to provide relief for our commuters while ensuring the sustainability of the service and to keep buses operating on all routes.”
Quintas went on to explain that the bus rapid transit system remains one of the most affordable public transport services in the city, especially for those who travel outside the peak periods.
That is, before 06:45 or after 08:00 on weekday mornings; or before 16:15 and after 17:30 on weekday afternoons.
He noted that the cheaper fares also apply all day on weekends, as well as on public holidays.
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