MYCiTi commuters are set to face fare increases of up to from 1 July 2026, as the City of Cape Town cites rising fuel costs and funding pressures as key drivers behind the adjustment.
Cape Town’s public transport users are set to face steep increases in MYCiTi fares from 1 July 2026, with some trips rising by as much as 45% as the City of Cape Town moves to shore up the financial sustainability of its flagship bus service amid rising fuel costs and looming national funding cuts.
The City’s Urban Mobility Directorate confirmed that the annual adjustment, subject to Council approval of the draft budget on June 29, 2026, is unavoidable due to escalating operational pressures, including fuel, maintenance, and parts costs, as well as reduced support from national government.
According to the City, it has been absorbing sharply rising diesel costs since March, at an estimated R9.1 million per month, in an effort to shield commuters from immediate fare shocks. However, officials say this is no longer financially sustainable.
“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 in its statement. “Our operational costs in providing a world class public transport offering, matched with fuel price increases have informed our current fare adjustments.”
