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Commuters brace for price increase
February 28, 2014
Another increase will hit the public hard
>> Bus and taxi fare will rise, but when is still being decided KALISHA NAICKER
C
OMMUTERS across the Upper Highway area are bracing for higher public transport fees following the petrol hike of 39 cents earlier this month. And although Durban Transport Authority says there will be an increase, it is unsure when this will come into effect.. Scores of concerned commuters have contacted the Hillcrest Fever wanting to know if the fares are to
increase and by how much. Kloof resident Trevor Right said “The recent hike is making living in this country a nightmare; we cannot keep up with monthly expenses. We are fed up with how this government is running the country; another fare increase is not the best idea at this time.” Jessica Smith from Hillcrest and Brian Mkhize from Kwanyuswa agreed with Right and said they too cannot afford another taxi fare increase.
“Whenever prices increase, they never come down. If salaries were also increased significantly then we would be able to cope with the prices,” said Smith. “I travel by taxi from Kloof to Durban Central daily and it costs me more thanR30 aday,if this increases I will be left with no money.” Mkhize added, “We’re struggling to make ends meet every day and the little money we have is used to pay for transport. “I am dependent on my grant
money to get me through the month and this increase on fuel impacts on my life, as groceries will also increase. “I really hope that government takes this into consideration the next time a price hike is considered.” Zama Mbali from the Durban Transport Authority said that bus fares are to be increased, but she cannot confirm when. “We are still in discussion as to when and by how much the fares will be increased.
“We do understand the concern of the commuter but the hike of petrol affects us as well.” “The increases will be highlighted in the media prior to it being effective,” she added. Molweni Taxi Association secretary, RB Dladla, said that the taxi industry receives no financial support from government and their fares are also likely to increase. “We should have an increment price by Friday next week once all discussions are completed,” he said.