Lobamba- Senators has adopted the Maximum Bus and Taxi Fares (Amendment) Regulations, 2026, paving the way for a 25% increase in short-distance bus and taxi fares and a 10% increase for long-distance routes, despite concerns over the financial burden on emaSwati.
The regulations were considered during the Senate sitting on October 12, 2026, chaired by Deputy President Ndumiso Mdluli, following their approval by the House of Assembly.
The new rates will see the maximum fare for the first eight kilometres rise from E10 to E12.50, while fares for journeys between eight and 50 kilometres increase from E0.70 to E0.77 per kilometre.
For journeys exceeding 50 kilometres, the rate increases from E0.66 to E0.726 per kilometre.
During the debate, Senator Dr Stukie Motsa said Senators had been informed that the Ministry of Public Works and Transport and public transport operators had agreed on the 25% increase. She acknowledged that the adjustment would force emaSwati to dig deeper into their pockets, particularly as salaries had not yet increased.
She noted that the last bus fare adjustment was made in 2022, while fuel and the cost of materials required to maintain vehicles had risen significantly.
“We also believe that even though salaries have not been increased yet, we hope they will in the near future, because it cannot be done simultaneously,” Motsa said.
Senator Princess Ncengencenge questioned whether commuters should expect further fare increases as fuel prices continued to rise. She said it was heartbreaking that fuel costs were increasing while salaries remained unchanged.
Ncengencenge called on Government to develop measures to cushion both transport operators and commuters, arguing that repeatedly increasing fares was not a sustainable solution.
She stressed that public transport needed to be handled carefully, reminding the House of previous disruptions when operators brought services to a standstill. She also referred to Government’s intervention in proposed electricity tariff increases as an example of how authorities could consider cushioning consumers.
Senator Cethuka Sigombeni supported Ncengencenge’s call for Government to find common ground, saying the rising costs affected both transport operators and commuters.
Senator Princess Ntfombiyenkhosi also backed the proposal for intervention, noting that the increase affected both parties. She observed that, had transport operators been allowed to determine the increase according to their wishes, it could have reached 100%.
Meanwhile, Senator Lorraine Nxumalo questioned how much public transport employees earned and called for Government assistance, particularly for emaSwati who travel long distances.
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