Golden Arrow fare hike: Cash commuters to pay more from September 28 - IOL

Golden Arrow Bus Service has announced a price increase for cash-paying passengers.

Commuters are set to dig deeper into their pockets as Golden Arrow Bus Service (GABS) announces a fare adjustment. 

The price increase is expected to be implemented by September 28. 

However, the increase will only affect cash fares by 4.5%, while Gold Card multi-journey tickets remain unchanged. 

Golden Arrow’s General Manager, Derrick Meyer, said most peak cash fares are protected from the increases. 

“The fare adjustment will apply primarily to off-peak cash fares, with increases only affecting selected peak cash fares. There will be no increase to any Gold Card multi-journey tickets, ensuring that passengers who purchase their rides up front continue to pay the same fares,” Meyer said. 

The increases to be implemented by September 28.

According to Meyer, GABS has deliberately limited the adjustment to selected cash fares to minimise the impact on passengers, particularly those who depend on public transport during peak periods for essential journeys to work, school and other daily commitments. 

“The adjustment comes after sustained increases in the cost of operating bus services, including fuel, maintenance, parts, tyres, and labour. GABS has absorbed a significant portion of these increases and opted for a targeted fare adjustment rather than applying increases across all fares,” Meyer said. 

He said passengers are advised to consider our range of multi-journey tickets which include discounts of up to 45%. These tickets are loaded onto a reusable Golden Arrow Gold Card, which costs R40 once-off. 

GABS said the Easy ticket allows passengers to travel on almost all routes using a single multi-journey ticket and is priced at R134 for five rides, R248.50 for 10 rides and R1,093 for 48 rides.

“GABS remains committed to keeping public transport affordable while ensuring the long-term sustainability of its services. Specific fare information will be available from the Transport Information Centre on 0800 65 64 63 from September 23, 2026,” Meyer said.