Thousands of commuters are going to be paying more to travel from Monday (18 May 2026) after minibus taxi operators implemented fare increases linked to rising fuel and operating costs.
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Several taxi associations in the Western Cape are raising their prices. These increases will greatly affect low-income households, many of which are already spending a large portion of their income on transport before this latest hike.
Short-distance taxi trips have increased by R2 to R5, while some long-distance commuters now face fares of between R150 and R200.
Nearly one million passengers use minibus taxis daily just in the Western Cape province alone, where taxis account for roughly 75% of all public transport.
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The fare increases occur as many South Africans struggle with high food prices, electricity costs, and overall inflation. Economists had previously warned that the fuel price increases seen in April would eventually lead to higher costs for transport, goods, and services.
For many workers who rely on taxis every day, the latest increases will mean even less disposable income at the end of the month and in Cape Town, where commuting often begins before sunrise and ends long after dark, that extra burden is being carried by the people who can least afford it.
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Feature Image: Supplied
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