Putco – the Public Utility Transport Corporation – on Friday said that it was putting on hold fare hikes it previously announced.
“Putco wishes to inform passengers that the previously announced fuel-related fare hike remains suspended,” Spokesperson Lindokuhle Xulu, said.
In July, Putco announced that it had no option but to increase fares after its June diesel expenses skyrocketed by close to 50% of its total operational costs.
“This is due to our continuing efforts to engage relevant government authorities about possible and sustainable solutions to cushion the commuters,” Xulu said.
“We understand the toll our country’s economic challenges take on each individual and we remain committed to continue to absorb the fuel cost, pending discussions with government.
“We want to assure our customers that we do not take fare hikes lightly. The decisions we make are under the best practice guidelines that guard against being heavy-handed on consumers.”
Putco said it has not been spared from the rising cost of living that is influenced by fuel hikes among other components.
Putco provides public transportation throughout Gauteng, Mpumalanga and Limpopo.
“Putco has had to bear the costs of rising fuel prices in the past for the benefit of commuters,” said Xulu.
“As hikes continued unabated, it became increasingly difficult to continue providing quality service to our commuters.
“‘Putco will spare no effort in working with authorities to find lasting solutions to these challenges.”
The suspended fare hikes had been meant to come into effect on 1 August 2022.
