COSATU wants GABS to reverse fare increase

The Congress of South African Trade Union (COSATU) has condemned Golden Arrows Bus Services (GABS) announcement of a fare increase.

ARCHIVE: COSATU's Malvern De Bruyn at Bush Radio

The bus company announced that from 11 August 2025, prices will increase by 4%

‘’Golden Arrow’s interim contract with the provincial government provides for fare adjustments in response to rising operational costs. These adjustments are essential to maintaining the sustainability and continuity of our services. We remain fully mindful of the financial challenges faced by our passengers. In recent years, we have made a concerted effort to delay annual fare increases beyond the customary December period. For example, instead of implementing a fare increase in December 2023, we absorbed the rising costs until April 2024, and we again deferred the December 2024 increase. However, due to continued and widespread increases in operating costs across the supply chain, we are no longer able to delay further. As a result, fares will increase by an average of 4%, effective 11 August 2025,’’ said Derick Meyer, GABS General Manager.

‘’To maximise value and benefit from significant savings, we encourage passengers to make use of a GABS Gold Card, which enables access to discounted fare options. By purchasing five-ride, weekly, or monthly tickets, passengers can save up to 45% compared to cash fares. The GABS Gold Card, a once-off purchase, will cost R40. Our pensioners’ tickets will cost R78.50,’’ he added.

SUPPLIED: GABS

COSATU described the hike as ‘unjust’, adding that it places an unbearable burden on workers, the unemployed, and the poorest of the poor, who are already struggling under the high cost of living, stagnant wages, and record-high unemployment.

‘’Public transport is a lifeline for millions of South Africans, enabling them to commute to work, seek employment, access education, and reach essential services. Yet, instead of being treated as a public good, it has become yet another profit-driven scheme that exploits those who can least afford it. Workers bear the brunt, and many spend up to 30-40% of their income on transport. This increase will force them to sacrifice meals, healthcare, or their children’s schooling just to get to work,’’ said Malvern De Bruyn, COSATU Western Cape Provincial Secretary.

‘’Workers got no wage increase to match while bus fares rises, workers salaries remain stagnant, effectively cutting their real income. This fare adjustment will be deepening inequality and the poorest, including domestic workers, security guards, and casual labourers, will suffer the most, pushing them further into poverty,’’ he added.

COSATU made a list of demands, including that GABS reverse its increase immediately; Government intervention to regulate fares and expand subsidies for public transport; and Transparent engagement with Unions, Commuter Organizations, and workers before any future fare adjustments.

‘’Golden Arrows Bus Services must stop profiting from workers’ suffering. If this decision is not reversed, COSATU will mobilize its members and allied Organizations to take mass action in defense of affordable transport,’’ said De Bruyn.

 

Done by: Mitchum George