Article re-cap
- MyCiTi bus fares will increase by between 32% and 50% from July 1, 2026, pending Council approval on June 29.
- Fares were last increased in 2024 by R10, making the current adjustment considerably larger.
- The City has been absorbing diesel cost increases since March at roughly R9.1 million per month but says it can no longer do so.
- Imminent national government funding cuts are an additional pressure alongside rising fuel costs and maintenance expenditure.
- Off-peak fares remain cheaper, applying before 06:45 or after 08:00 on weekday mornings, before 16:15 or after 17:30 on weekday afternoons, and all day on weekends and public holidays.
Cape Town commuters will see their MYCiTi bus fares increase by as much as 45 percent from July 1, 2026, due to rising fuel costs, imminent national funding cuts, and increased maintenance expenditure, according to the City of Cape Town. Fares were last increased in 2024 by R10.
The City’s Urban Mobility Directorate announced that the annual fare adjustment, subject to Council approval on June 29, 2026, is necessary to counter escalating operational costs. Officials stated that they have been absorbing sharply rising diesel costs since March, at an estimated R9.1 million per month, in an effort to shield commuters from immediate fare shocks.
Councillor Rob Quintas, Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility, explained that the City has absorbed the costs of exceptional increases in the diesel price since March this year, protecting MYCiTi commuters for four months at a cost of approximately R9.1 million per month. He emphasized that these adjustments are necessary to ensure continuity of service and maintain operational standards.
Councillor Quintas noted that no sector has been unaffected by the rising cost of fuel, attributing the pressure in part to the ongoing Middle East conflict. He added that MyCiTi remains one of the most affordable public transport services in the city, with cheaper off-peak fares applying before 06:45 or after 08:00 on weekday mornings, before 16:15 or after 17:30 on weekday afternoons, and all day on weekends and public holidays.
The fare increases will vary depending on distance, with trips within the 0-20km band rising between 38% and 45%, while longer-distance fares will increase between 32% and 37%. The monthly pass will jump significantly from R1,000 to R1,500, a 50% increase. The new tariff also covers operational costs including maintenance, parts and tyres over the next twelve months. Officials noted that MyCiTi remains one of the most affordable public transport options.
The City stated that while the increases are substantial, fares will continue to be monitored in line with fuel price fluctuations, with possible relief adjustments if conditions improve. The new tariff structure will take effect from July 1, 2026, pending Council approval at the end of June.
Frequently asked questions
When do the new MyCiTi fare increases take effect?
The new fares take effect from July 1, 2026, subject to Council approval at its meeting on June 29, 2026.
By how much will MyCiTi fares increase?
Fares will increase by between 32% and 50% depending on the route and ticket type. Short-distance fares in the 0-20km band rise between 38% and 45%, while the monthly pass rises from R1,000 to R1,500.
Why are MyCiTi fares going up so sharply?
The City cites rising diesel prices, increased maintenance costs, and imminent funding cuts from the national government as the main drivers.
Are there cheaper times to travel on MyCiTi?
Yes. Off-peak fares apply before 06:45 or after 08:00 on weekday mornings, before 16:15 or after 17:30 on weekday afternoons, and all day on weekends and public holidays.
When were MyCiTi fares last increased?
Fares were last increased in 2024, by R10.
Source: capeargus.co.za, smilefm.co.za, iol.co.za, topauto.co.za
