City warns MyCiTi fares could rise by at least 32% from July

The City of Cape Town has warned that MyCiTi bus fares may rise from July 2026 as sustained increases in diesel prices place significant pressure on the transport system.

What the City says

The City’s Urban Mobility Directorate told commuters it wants to give passengers advance notice so households can prepare and budget. According to the City, fares could increase by at least 32%, with the exact level to be confirmed after National Government announces the new diesel price on 3 June 2026.

Why fares may rise

The City said it has absorbed the impact of rising diesel costs since March and will continue to do so in June, but that the continued rise in diesel prices has created significant pressure on the transport system. It noted that other public transport operators have already passed on increased fuel costs to passengers.

Official comment

Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility, Councillor Rob Quintas, said the City had tried to protect commuters for as long as possible.

“We have tried our utmost best to protect our MyCiTi commuters for as long as possible against the sky-high diesel prices and we are still trying,”

Quintas added:

“Unfortunately, we cannot do so for much longer. Commuters will be able to save money in June, but from July, the MyCiTi fares may be higher.”

Proposed fare planning

The City’s new proposed fare levels, adopted by the Portfolio Committee on Urban Mobility, make provision for diesel prices of up to R40.75 per litre. The recommendation was to be presented to Council for approval on 27 May 2026. The City said that, if approved, the increase would also apply to commuters using the Dial-a-Ride service.

Context and next steps

The City cited global uncertainty and conflict in the Middle East as factors contributing to fuel price concerns and said it is preparing for the possibility that diesel prices could rise further. Commuters will receive confirmation of the exact fare increases after the National Government’s diesel price announcement on 3 June 2026.