Nhlangano-Big Bend fare hits E130

Commuters travelling from Nhlangano to Big-Bend will have to fork out E130 for a single trip from Monday as the newly-approved public transport fare adjustments begin to take effect.

Adding to the financial burden on passengers already grappling with the rising cost of living. The Nhlangano-Big Bend route has emerged as one of the most expensive journeys under the revised fare structure. The route previously cost E97.

According to a public notice detailing the revised Nhlangano transport fares, commuters travelling to Galile will pay E35, while those going to Mantambe will part with E45.

The fares to Muntoyedwa and Hluthi have been set to E50, while passengers travelling to Mziki and Sithwethweni will pay E55. The fares increase further for longer distances, with trips to Sphambanweni costing E60, Matsanjeni E70 and Bulawayo E75. Commuters travelling to Lavumisa will pay E82, while those heading to Mbutfu will have to pay E90.

The longer routes will attract even higher fares, with passengers travelling to Nsoko expected to pay E100, Ndzevane E110 and Matata E120. Those travelling the entire distance to Big-Bend will pay E130 for a single trip, making it the most expensive destination on the published Nhlangano schedule.

The increases are not limited to the Nhlangano route, as commuters travelling from Mbabane to Nhlangano and Mahamba will now pay E118, moving from the E100 that previously applied.

Similarly, passengers travelling from Manzini to Lomahasha will also have to fork out E118, moving from E 95.

The adjustments follow Parliament’s approval of the maximum bus and taxi fares (Amendment) regulations 2026, which provide for a 25% increase in short-distance fares and a 10% adjustment for long-distance journeys.

Source: Supplied public notice.