Cape Town commuters are facing steep MYCiTi fare increases from July 1, 2026.

The City’s Urban Mobility Directorate said some trips could rise by as much as 45%, pending Council approval of the draft budget on June 29.

The City said the annual fare adjustment is needed to cover rising operating costs and reduced national funding support.

The increases will affect all major fare categories on the bus service.

Trips within the 0–20km band are expected to rise by 38%-45%.

Longer-distance fares will increase by between 32% and 37%.

Monthly pass jumps to R1 500

The monthly MYCiTi pass will rise from R1 000 to R1 500.

That is a 50% increase.

The City said the fare changes follow months of pressure from higher diesel costs.

It said it has been absorbing those costs since March to protect commuters from immediate increases.

According to the City, this has cost about R9.1 million a month.

“No sector has been unaffected by the increasing costs of fuel as a result of the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. MyCiTi is no exception,” the City said.

City says costs are unsustainable

Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility Councillor Rob Quintas, said the City had carried the extra diesel costs for four months.

“The City has absorbed the costs of the exceptional increases in the diesel price since March this year. We have protected MYCiTi commuters for four months already at a cost of about R9.1 million per month,” Quintas said.

He said the adjustment reflects the real cost of keeping the service running while maintaining service levels.

The City said the increases are also linked to expected reductions in national funding support.

Fares may be reviewed

The City said MYCiTi remains a subsidised public transport service and that it does not make a profit from providing it.

Officials said the service remains one of Cape Town’s most affordable public transport options, especially for off-peak and weekend travel.

The City said fares will continue to be monitored in response to fuel price changes.

It said relief adjustments could be considered if conditions improve.

The new tariff structure is expected to take effect on July 1, subject to Council approval.