Bus fare hike
Preparing to sign the bus fares agreement are (front), PTPA representative - Mavis Mpanza, Bekisiwe Dlamini, Bekhi Themba Sithole, Beautiful Connections representative and Chairman of the forum - Agribba Khuza, KZN Public Transport Passenger Association (PTPA) Deputy Chairman - Boy Wyne, Michael Madida; (back)Thandazani Ncwane, John Peter,Mduduze Sithole, Ikhwezi Bus Services General Manager - Fanie Joubert, Denise Mbata, Jabulani Zondi, Lucky Ntuli, Jabulani Ntanzi, Madlinyoka Ntanzi and Bongani Mofokeng
Lesley Stephenson
AFTER a month of difficult negotiations, Ikhwezi Bus Services and their contractors have reached consensus with commuter representatives over the annual increase in bus fares.
The KZN Public Transport Passenger Association (PTPA), bus organisations and the respective tribal authorities from the greater Zululand area have agreed to a 10% increase on cash fares and multi-journey fares, and an 8% increase in scholar fares.
‘The current economic crisis certainly made the process more difficult, as it was important to strike a balance between the need to increase fares due to petrol and other cost escalations, but also to protect the commuters who are under a lot of financial pressure,’ said Ikhwezi Bus Services General Manager and leading negotiator on behalf of the bus services, Fanie Joubert. Representatives from the affected parties came together on Thursday at the Empangeni Country Club for the official signing of the agreement.
‘We are very happy with the outcome,’ said KZN Public Transport Passenger Association (PTPA) Deputy Chairman, Boy Wyne.