BY SIFISO NHLABATSI
LOBAMBA – Senator Princess Ncengencenge has warned that rising public transport fares could worsen mental health challenges and increase suicide risks among emaSwati already struggling with the cost of living.
The senator raised the concerns during debate in the Senate on the Maximum Bus and Taxi Fares Amendment Regulations, 2026, calling on government to find common ground with transport operators rather than leaving commuters to bear the financial burden.
Ncengencenge cautioned that the proposed fare increases could place additional pressure on vulnerable people, while questioning whether the mental health facility in Manzini had sufficient capacity to accommodate patients should demand for services increase.
She also warned that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) would not be spared, arguing that businesses across the country depended on public transport to connect workers, customers and suppliers.
Her concerns come amid rising fuel prices and mounting pressure from public transport operators over increasing operating costs.
The proposed adjustment recommends raising the maximum fare for the first eight kilometres from E10 to E12.50, representing a 25 per cent increase, while fares on longer routes would also rise.
The debate has revived calls for government to consider subsidising public transport as an alternative to placing the entire burden on commuters.
In South Africa, government subsidises commuter bus services through provincial authorities, which contract private bus companies to provide transport services. This offers an example of how public funding can help sustain transport services while improving access for commuters.
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