Western Cape taxi operators say they regret increasing fares, knowing the added pressure it will place on already financially strained commuters.
Taxi associations across the province have agreed to raise fares by between R2 and R5 per trip from Monday.
Long-distance taxi fares between Cape Town and the Eastern Cape will increase by R150.
The industry said the decision was driven by rising operational costs, particularly repeated fuel price hikes linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The taxi fare increases come at a time when many South Africans are already struggling with the rising cost of living, with commuters warning that transport is becoming increasingly unaffordable.
CODETA chairperson Nceba Enge said the associations understand the financial strain passengers are facing, but taxi operators are also battling to survive.
“People are not able to pay for their vehicles, and their vehicles are being taken by financial institutions. So that forced us, we did not have a choice but to increase.”
Enge also apologised to commuters for the short notice given ahead of the fare hikes.
Ntuthuzelo Nene
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