MBABANE – The Ministry of Public Works and Transport has dismissed reports of a possible increase in bus fares, assuring emaSwati that no adjustment has been approved or sanctioned.
This follows a publication in the Times of Eswatini dated 18 February 2026 under the headline Public Transport Operators calling for hike in fares on page 2. The Ministry said it noted the report with concern, given the critical role public transport plays in the daily lives of citizens.
In a public notice issued on 18 February 2026, the Ministry clarified that any changes to public transport fares in the Kingdom are the outcome of formal and structured engagements between Government and recognised representative bodies within the road transport industry. In this case, the Road Transport Council, established under the Road Transportation Act of 2007, serves as the representative body of all road transport associations in Eswatini.
According to the Ministry, there have been no official engagements, negotiations or consultations between Government and recognised transport industry structures regarding any proposed increase in bus fares. As a result, there is currently no approved fare hike.
Government stated that while it ensures access to road transport services, it remains aware of the operational costs faced by operators. For that reason, any consideration of fare adjustments must undergo extensive stakeholder consultations and is ultimately cleared by Parliament to ensure balanced adjudication.
The Ministry further stated that bus fare increases are not unilateral decisions by road transport operators and are not automatically linked to adjustments in user fees or regulatory charges. Any proposal to review fares must follow established legal procedures.
Should negotiations or consultations on fare adjustments begin in future, the public will be informed through official Government communication channels.
On user fees, the Ministry said the process is led by the Ministry of Finance in collaboration with relevant service provider ministries and involves broad consultations. During the last road user fee adjustments issued mid last year, the Road Transport Council was consulted and made submissions before Parliament debated and approved the fees.
The Ministry expressed surprise that unidentified road transport operators were raising concerns more than half a year after the matter had been addressed and approved with their input. It maintained that it engages only recognised and identifiable structures to reach amicable outcomes.
Minister for Public Works and Transport Chief Ndlaluhlaza Ndwandwe, a Senator, reiterated Government’s commitment to ensuring that public transport in Eswatini remains safe, reliable, affordable and accessible. Industry players were cautioned against announcing unofficial information that could create unnecessary anxiety among citizens already facing economic challenges.
The public has been urged to rely on official Government communication for accurate information and to disregard unverified reports.
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