Durban's People Mover bus rate goes up by 50c

Durban's People Mover bus rate goes up by 50c

We take a look at the new price increase for the People Mover buses in Durban...

Durban's People Mover Buses fare goes up by 50c
Twitter Screenshot/@eThekwiniM

When it comes to the price increase of anything, whether that be food, petrol or the overall cost of living, it can be stressful for many people, especially during the times that we have been experiencing. 

Since the unrest and the threat of upcoming unrest in KZN, many people are feeling uneasy about, well, pretty much everything. Most especially being forced to be around many people during a pandemic that requires everyone to mask up and remain socially distanced. 

This in itself is something that many people who travel using public transport have to face daily. They don't have a voice to complain, with the way things work out on the streets, you either accept it or get out. 

We recently heard that there will be an increase next month, for all the People Mover buses in the eThekwini Municipality. The bus fare has gone up by 50c. 

"The municipality said it had decided to cut the increase, saying this was affordable to many of the community members," IOL reports.

A report that shared some key insight into the fare increase mentioned that the fare had not been increased since 2013 and that's eight years ago.

"The People Mover bus service is funded through passenger fare and contribution from council funding. The fare increase is being recommended following an assessment of fuel; labour and other operating costs.

"It should be noted that the fare increase has not been increased since 2013. The increase being recommended has been kept to minimal taking into consideration the economic impact as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, but also taking into account the significance of maintaining current levels of bus service."

Whatever the reasoning behind the fare increase, it is best that it is minimal. We know that it can't be easy with the host of other increases, but we hope that this doesn't affect your pocket too much. 

The fee for the People Mover is still the cheaper way of transport in comparison to other modes of transport around the areas they operate. With a full day pass being R16.00 and a one-way ticket costing R5.50, the fees will now be R16.50 for a full day and R6.00 for a one-way pass, effective 1 September 2021.

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