Taxi commuters are set to face more financial pressure as local associations prepare to introduce fare increases earlier than usual.

Typically adjusted at the end of June, taxi fares are this year increasing from today (May 15), adding to the growing cost-of-living burden facing working-class families.

Commuters travelling between Stanger and Ballito will now pay R30 per trip, up from R28 – a 7% increase. A commuter travelling return trips five days a week will now spend about R300 a week on transport alone.

Nkobongo residents will pay R23 per trip to Ballito, while commuters from Etete will pay R24. Residents from Velani township will also pay R23. Those travelling from the wider Groutville area, including Malendela, Dube Village, Thembeni and Charlottedale, will now pay R26. Short stop-to-stop trips within Ballito will cost R15.

For commuters travelling from Lindelani and Shakaville to Stanger, the fare has increased to R20, while passengers from Shakaville D Section will pay R21.

A commuter travelling daily from Shakaville D Section to Ballito must catch two taxis, first to Stanger and then to Ballito. Return trips five days a week over a four-week month will now cost R2 040.

For many residents, the rising costs are becoming impossible to manage.

One Shakaville commuter we spoke to works in Ballito and earns R6 500 a month. She rents a room for R800, sends R2 000 home to her family in Maphumulo and spends another R2 000 on her child’s school needs.

She said she is battling to cope with the rising cost of living.

“After transport costs I am left with nothing; there will be no money for food. I am seriously thinking of moving to Shaka’s Head. Even if I get a shack to rent, that would be fine, as long as I can afford my basic needs,” she said.

Another commuter from Nkobongo, who travels daily to Zimbali, said she is also hoping to relocate closer to work as she will now spend over R1 000 a month on transport, more than her rent of R1 000.