WC taxi commuters spared fare increases amid looming fuel hike

The taxi industry in the Western Cape said its decision not to increase fares, despite rising fuel prices, is aimed at easing the burden on commuters.

From Wednesday, motorists will pay significantly more at the pumps.

Petrol is expected to increase by R5 per litre, while diesel could rise by more than R9 per litre.

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Despite these increases, the taxi industry in the province has decided to keep fares unchanged for now.

The Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (CATA) said that the situation will be reviewed if necessary.

CATA secretary Nkululeko Sityebi said the association is also taking into account the needs of commuters.

"As the CATA region, before we can do that, we need to first consider all the aspects around the price increase. Remember, when we increase our prices, we don't decrease them when the fuel price goes down, so we need to be realistic and reasonable and look at our commuters and consider them. Remember, when the price increases, the salary doesn't increase, so we always work around those factors."