The City of Cape Town's proposed MyCiTi fare increases have drawn criticism from both commuters and political parties, with opponents arguing that the higher costs will place additional pressure on residents already facing rising living expenses.
According to the City, the MyCiTi fares are adjusted annually to reflect projected operating costs for the year ahead. The City states that the latest increase is in response to significant and sustained increases in global fuel prices, costs that it says it has absorbed on behalf of passengers until now.
The new fares are expected to be formally adopted when Council considers and approves the City's 2026/27 Budget on June 29.
The City has also noted that the tariff structure allows fares to be reduced during the financial year should diesel prices experience significant and sustained decreases.
While acknowledging the increase, the City maintains that MyCiTi remains a safe and affordable transport option, adding that the Monthly Pass continues to offer value for regular commuters travelling longer distances.
However, in a statement released on Monday, June 22, the Freedom Front Plus said the proposed fare increase would place additional pressure on residents already facing rising living costs.
The party specifically highlighted the increase in the monthly pass, which is set to rise from
R1 000 to R1 500 from July 1.
"The proposed increase in MyCiTi fares, which will raise a monthly ticket from R1 000 to R1 500 as from July 1, is also out of reach for ordinary commuters," the party said.
The proposed increase has also prompted a public petition launched by Hout Bay community activist and daily MyCiTi commuter Roscoe Jacobs.
Jacobs has criticised the planned increase in the monthly MyCiTi pass from R1 000 to R1 500, saying it would place an unfair burden on working-class residents who rely on public transport.
The petition was launched in response to the proposed fare adjustments contained in the City's draft 2026/27 budget. As of Wednesday, June 24, it had attracted 4 660 signatures, approaching its initial target of 5 000.
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