Durban - DA eThekwini councillor Hlengiwe Shozi says a 7% bus fare increase that was meant to be implemented on October 1, has not been passed by the eThekwini council.
Shozi said the DA voted against the proposed Durban Transport Fare increase that was tabled last week during a sitting of the Human Settlements and Infrastructure Committee.
“The said increase was going to be implemented on 01 October 2022 to prevent the under-recovery of fare income by Tansnat Africa Durban CC that is the operator,” she said.
She said the party is happy that the item was not passed after a majority vote.
“Residents of eThekwini have been dealt a hard blow from the Covid-19 pandemic, the July unrest and recently the April floods. We need a government that puts the interests of its people first by ensuring that they are able to weather the ever increasing cost of living,” said Shozi.
Shozi said the eThekwini leadership has been making commitments for years to solve issues of the problematic public transport service, including Tansnat that owes the city millions.
She said this hike will only worsen the implications on residents.
She said if the item had been passed the city would be placing the burden sorely on commuters who are mostly from low income communities including pensioners.
In response eThekwini Municipality spokesperson Msawakhe Mayisela said: “We cannot respond to a matter that has not yet been resolved by council.”