MyCiTi will introduce a new distance-based fare system, on 3 August 2013, with several options for saving money.
Until now, MyCiTi has had a “flat fare” system with set fares charged on routes, whether you were travelling the whole way or for a few stops.
The distance-based fare system will calculate fares from where you first tap in, when entering a MyCiTi bus or station, to where you tap out at your final destination.
The system calculates which distance band your journey falls into and deducts the correct fare from your myconnect card. This is good news for people travelling shorter distances because the cost of their journey will be lower.
This will be a permanent system, replacing the system that has been in place. Key features of the new system include cheaper fares outside of the Peak fare periods of 06:30 and 08:30 in the mornings and 16:00 and 18:00 in the afternoons on weekdays. For all other times on weekdays, and all day on weekends and public holidays, fares will be on average 17% lower than peak fares, which will be the Saver fare period.
There will also be 20% discounts during the Peak and Saver periods for frequent travellers who load pre-paid travel packages onto their myconnect cards, called ”Mover” packages. The aim is to have most of the MyCiTi passengers buy Mover packages and benefit from the savings.
The two main principles behind the new system include that the fares should be comparable to those charged by other bus services and the minibus-taxi industry, and that they must minimise the cost deficit of the system.
“It has been a challenge, but we think the new system strikes the balance between these two principles,” says the City’s Mayoral Committee Member: Transport for Cape Town, Councillor Brett Herron.
“We have done this by giving benefits to regular users and to off-peak travel, to encourage the most efficient use possible of the MyCiTi fleet.
“We believe the large majority of MyCiTi passengers will buy the Mover packages, which gives them a double saving. There is no 2,5% load fee, or the R1,50 minimum, charged on these packages. On top of that, there will be substantial discounts on fares if these packages are used instead of loading cash onto the cards.
“Most passengers will end up paying less than they now pay on the MyCiTi service, even though the new system will kick in after another increase in the petrol price,” says Councillor Herron.
The Mover package purchases expire after three years, so even infrequent MyCiTi travellers can benefit. Mover packages will only be available from station kiosks.
More detailed information about this new system is available in the local press and at MyCiTi bus stations. You can also contact the City of Cape Town’s Transport Information Centre on 0800 65 64 63 or e-mail transport.info@capetown.gov.za.
View pamphlet explaining the changes
View newspaper wrap explaining the new fare system
