Cape Town’s MyCiTi bus service is set to raise its fares by at least 32% from July 2026, with the City citing sustained diesel price increases as the primary driver, pending a Council vote on 27 May 2026.
The proposed increase would also apply to the Dial-a-Ride service, which serves mobility-impaired commuters across the metropolitan area. New fare levels adopted by the Portfolio Committee on Urban Mobility make provision for diesel prices of up to R40.75 per litre.
Why Cape Town MyCiTi fares are rising this July
The City of Cape Town has been absorbing the cost of rising diesel prices since March 2026, shielding commuters from fuel-related fare increases for three consecutive months. That buffer is now reaching its limit. The City will continue to absorb the impact through June, but July marks the point at which the shortfall can no longer be covered internally.
The final percentage will depend on the National Government’s diesel price announcement, scheduled for 3 June 2026. The 32% figure represents a floor, not a ceiling.
New fare levels make provision for diesel at up to R40.75 per litre, suggesting the adjustment has already been modelled against further price increases.
What this means for Cape Town commuters
A 32% fare increase is a substantial ask for commuters who depend on MyCiTi as their primary mode of transport. For a daily commuter making a return trip, the annual cost impact will be considerable, particularly in a cost-of-living environment where household budgets are already under pressure from food inflation, higher electricity tariffs and widespread transport cost increases across other modes.
The Dial-a-Ride inclusion is also notable. The service connects mobility-impaired residents to the MyCiTi network and has historically tracked MyCiTi fare adjustments.
Its inclusion in the proposed increase means the people least able to absorb the cost, those with mobility limitations who have fewer alternatives, will also be affected.
When the decision is final and what happens next
The Council vote on 27 May 2026 will determine whether the increase proceeds as proposed. If approved, the new fares would take effect in July, aligned with the start of the City’s new financial year.
The Council has the authority to modify the recommendation, although the City’s submission to the Portfolio Committee framed the increase as operationally necessary rather than discretionary.
The National Government’s 3 June diesel price announcement will be the next key data point. It will either confirm the 32% floor or require the City to adjust the new fare schedule before implementation.
Commuters will have limited time between that announcement and the July implementation date to prepare.
