JOHANNESBURG - Bus service operator, Puto has announced that it will increase its fares by 10 percent in June.
The company cited soaring diesel prices and mounting operational pressures.
Putco says diesel now costs about R32 per litre, after recent fuel hikes tied to global tensions.
The company says it delayed fare hikes as long as possible to shield low-income commuters.
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Internal projections show a much larger increase would be needed to fully offset costs.
Putco’s fleet of 1,300 buses uses nearly 3 million litres of diesel every month.
Putco says it will keep engaging government for longer-term relief for the public transport sector.