By: Natasha Archary
Taxi commuters are going to have to cough up up to 30% more in fares, due to the latest petrol price increase.
The South African National Taxi Alliance (SANTACO) said taxi operators cannot continue without raising fares.
This after the latest petrol price increase for July took the price per litre of 95 octane to over R26/litre.
Currently at R26.74/litre, the latest fuel increase is having adverse affects on the economy and the cost of living.
Taxi operators are tabling an increase in fares between 25% and 30%.
At this point the possibility of protest action surrounding the increases cannot be ruled out. This according to SANTACO’s Ralph Jones who said protest action will be considered to force the government to subsidise the commuters.
Both the National Taxi Alliance (NTA) and SANTACO say the exact adjustment to taxi fares will depend on the associations.
A 30% hike in fares will have commuters digging even deeper into their already cash-strapped pockets.
South Africans are being hit hard with increases across the board, with electricity hikes, petrol and the cost of an average basic food basket.
Another steep petrol hike in August is expected which will push the country further into a downward spiral.
Protest action could spark tensions throughout the country similar to the July unrest of 2021 which the country is still recovering from.
To put the 30% increase in taxi fares into perspective, here’s what commuters will be expected to pay if the proposed increase is approved:
- R10 fares would go up to R13
- R20 fares would go up to R26
- R30 fares would go up to R39
- R40 fares would go up to R52
- R50 fares would go up to R65
- R60 fares would go up to R78
- R70 fares would go up to R91
- R80 fares would go up to R104
- R90 fares would go up to R117
- R100 fares would go up to R130
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