The Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) has strongly criticized a 4% bus fare increase announced by Golden Arrow Bus Services, set to take effect on 11 August. The company attributes the hike to rising operational costs across its supply chain, but Cosatu argues that the move will disproportionately burden already struggling workers.
Workers Bear the Brunt of Rising Costs
Malvern de Bruyn, Cosatu’s Western Cape Secretary, expressed deep concern over the increase, stating that many workers already spend up to 40% of their salaries on transport.
“Workers are being forced to sacrifice daily meals, school fees, and even healthcare just to afford transport,” De Bruyn said in an interview. “The cost of living is unbearably high, and this fare hike will push more people into financial distress.”
He highlighted that some workers are now considering leaving their jobs because they can no longer afford the commute.
Lack of Consultation and Corporate “Arrogance”
De Bruyn accused Golden Arrow of ignoring stakeholder engagement, claiming the company merely informs rather than consults before imposing increases.
“They claim to engage stakeholders, but in reality, they just send a letter announcing hikes,” he said. “We’ve repeatedly requested meetings, but they refuse to engage.”
Cosatu also criticized the Western Cape government and the City of Cape Town for failing to intervene, accusing them of prioritizing profits over public welfare.
Call for Government Subsidies and Regulation
De Bruyn argued that the government should increase subsidies to public transport operators to keep fares affordable.
“Before any increases, there should be proper discussions, and government must step in to cap fares for low-income commuters,” he said.
Cosatu’s Next Steps
The union plans to convene an executive meeting to strategize a response, which may include public campaigns and pressure tactics to force Golden Arrow to the negotiating table.
“We accept that some increases may be necessary, but 4% is excessive and not inflation-linked,” De Bruyn said. “Workers cannot keep bearing these costs while companies ignore their struggles.”
As the fare hike looms, commuters face an even tighter squeeze on their budgets, with Cosatu vowing to escalate its fight for affordable public transport.
