Bad news for bus commuters in South Africa

Golden Arrow Bus Services will increase certain cash fares by an average of 4.5% from 28 September 2026, with the adjustment mainly affecting off-peak passengers.

The bus operator said the increase was necessary due to sustained increases in the cost of operating its services, including fuel and maintenance expenses.

Not all passengers affected

However, not all passengers will be affected.

Golden Arrow spokesperson Bronwen Dyke-Beyer said the fare adjustment would primarily apply to off-peak cash fares paid on buses between 08:00 and 16:00 daily.

“The fare adjustment will apply primarily to off-peak cash fares,” Dyke-Beyer said.

She added that only selected peak cash fares would increase, while Gold Card multi-journey tickets will not be affected.

This means passengers who purchase their journeys upfront through Gold Card multi-journey tickets will continue paying the same fares.

Limited impact on commuters

Golden Arrow said it had deliberately limited the fare adjustment to selected cash fares in an effort to minimise the impact on passengers.

This is particularly aimed at commuters who rely on public transport during peak periods for essential journeys, including travelling to work and school and meeting other daily commitments.

The company said the decision to leave Gold Card multi-journey tickets unchanged means passengers who buy rides in advance can avoid the fare increase applicable to the affected cash fares.

Higher operating costs

The adjustment comes as public transport operators continue to face higher operating costs, with fuel and vehicle maintenance among the key expenses involved in running bus services.

Passengers using Golden Arrow services are therefore encouraged to take note of the changes from 28 September, particularly those who normally pay cash for off-peak journeys.

The company said the average increase across the affected cash fares would be 4.5%.