Minister Sileku welcomes GABS’ decision to protect commuters with targeted fare adjustments

The Western Cape Minister of Mobility, Isaac Sileku, has welcomed Golden Arrow Bus Services’ (GABS) decision to limit its upcoming fare adjustment, helping to reduce the impact on commuters at a time when many households are already under financial pressure.

For many Cape Town residents, public transport is a daily necessity. Many travel long distances between home and work, with transport costs forming a significant part of their monthly household expenses. This comes at a time when families are already managing rising living costs and multiple financial commitments.

GABS initially applied for a fare increase in August, with implementation planned for 1 September. The operator delayed the increase and has now requested a revised, lower fare adjustment, which will take effect from Monday, 28 September 2026.

The revised adjustment mainly affects selected off-peak cash fares, averaging 4.5%. Gold Card multi-journey fares will remain unchanged, while the majority of peak cash fares will also remain unchanged.

Minister Sileku said protecting affordability must remain an important consideration when public transport fares are adjusted.

“We know that many residents travel long distances every day to get to work, school and other essential destinations. For households already dealing with the high cost of living and many financial commitments, every additional transport cost matters. We therefore welcome Golden Arrow’s decision to delay the initial increase and introduce a lower, targeted adjustment. Keeping Gold Card multi-journey fares unchanged and most peak fares unchanged will help protect many daily commuters from additional costs.”

Minister Sileku added that public transport is a lifeline for our residents. “We must continue working together to make sure that it remains accessible and affordable, particularly for those who depend on it every day.”

GABS is contracted to the Western Cape Mobility Department and receives a subsidy through the national Public Transport Operations Grant. The operator runs more than 1 100 buses across approximately 1 300 routes and carries more than 230 000 passengers each day.

Commuters can contact the Transport Information Centre on 0800 65 64 63 for information about the revised fares.

Media Enquiries
Byron La Hoe
Acting Media Liaison Officer to Minister Isaac Sileku
Western Cape Mobility Department
Email: Byron.laHoe@westerncape.gov.za