The Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) in the Western Cape has criticised the Golden Arrow Bus Services for increasing its fares by 4%.
The hike will take effect on the eleventh of this month.
Cosatu’s Provincial Secretary Malvern de Bruyn says the hike puts a burden on the working class, the unemployed and marginalised groups.
De Bruyn says, “This fare adjustment will be deepening inequality and the poorest, including domestic workers, security guards and casual labourers will suffer the most, pushing them further into poverty. As Cosatu we demand an immediate reversal of the 4% fare increase, government intervention to regulate fares and expand subsidies for public transport, transparent engagement with unions, commuter organisations and workers before any future fare adjustments.”
He adds, “Golden Arrows Bus Services must stop profiting from workers’ suffering. If this decision is not reversed, Cosatu will mobilise its members and allied organisations to take mass action in defense of affordable transport.”
The bus service has defended its decision to increase fares.
Golden Arrows Spokesperson Bronwen Dyke-Beye has attributed the decision to rising operational costs.
Dyke-Beye says, “Golden Arrow remains fully mindful of the financial challenges faced by our passengers. In recent years, we have made a concerted effort to delay annual fare increases beyond the customary December period. “
-Additional reporting by Vania van der Heever.
