In Eswatini, some public transport operators have increased fares by 38.46%, affecting various routes, including the Manzini-Ekukhanyeni route, where the fare has risen from E13 to E18. This change has been attributed to economic pressures and the need to comply with the existing gazette. The fare hike has been confirmed by operators, who claim it is necessary due to escalating costs of running the business.
Commuters have expressed concerns about the fare increase, stating that it is too exorbitant and has placed a heavy burden on them. One commuter noted that their daily budget has been significantly impacted, with an increase of over E200 per day for work and school-related travel. The commuters have appealed to authorities to engage with operators and consider lowering the fare.
Zwelithini Masilela, a manager of Jojo Lobovu Bus, confirmed the fare increase, stating that it was effected to comply with the existing gazette. He mentioned that commuters were informed about the development and that it was necessary due to rising costs. Masilela also suggested that another increase might not be necessary in the short term, but this decision would depend on the business owners.
Ambrose Dlamini, Secretary General of the Local Transport Association, noted that it was expected that some operators would revert to the 2022 gazette due to high operating costs. He stated that the 2022 gazette had already provided for increased fares, but some operators had been charging below the maximum stipulated rates. Dlamini mentioned that operators were advised to revert to the maximum fares due to the escalation in fuel and other operating costs.
The rising cost of fuel has been cited as a significant factor contributing to the fare increase. Dlamini noted that commuters can expect further fare increases once the new gazette is issued, as it will still be within the legal regulations. Meanwhile, Members of Parliament have approved a 25% bus fare increase on short routes and a 10% increase on long-distance routes, as proposed by Minister for Public Works and Transport Chief Ndlaluhlaza Ndwandwe.
The Swaziland Consumer Forum (SWACOF) had previously submitted concerns about the proposed fare adjustments, arguing that they were unjustified and detrimental to consumers. SWACOF suggested that public transport operators had not exhausted the limits of the fares gazetted in 2022 and questioned the basis for another increase. The organisation warned that higher transport costs would affect low-income households, small businesses, and students who rely on public transport.
The new proposed Maximum Bus and Taxi fare (Amendment) Regulations were tabled by Minister Ndwandwe, with the Road Transport Council (RTC) initially proposing a significantly higher increase. However, the proposal was later adjusted to 25% for short distances and 10% for long distances. SWACOF called for the 2022 approved fares to be maintained for the 2026/27 financial year, arguing that this would balance the sustainability of public transport operators and the ability of consumers to pay.
Key points
- Eswatini public transport operators have increased fares by 38.46% due to economic pressures and compliance with the 2022 gazette.
- Commuters have expressed concerns about the fare hike, citing its impact on their daily budgets and the need for authorities to intervene.
- Further fare increases are expected once the new gazette is issued, with approved increases of 25% on short routes and 10% on long-distance routes.
