GEORGE NEWS - The roll-out of Phase 4A expansion of the Go-George bus services to Thembalethu is on course and could be in place at the end of October.
This came to light after the standing committee on transport in the Western Cape legislature visited George last Tuesday and Wednesday, 17 and 18 May.
Derrick America, MPP and chairperson of the committee, said Wednesday that the standing committee is a multi-party committee.
"It was indicated to us the roll-out should take place at the end of October," America said. The feedback they have received from some of the stakeholders, especially the vehicle-operating company, is positive.
In a statement he stressed that it is absolutely important that the roll-out should take place. He said due to the continued high demand for a dependable, convenient, safe and affordable public transport system in the city, George Municipality has been collaborating with the Western Cape government to expand the Go George services to the community of Thembalethu.
The committee visited the municipality to assess the progress of this project.
Benefits
America welcomed the progress made in rolling out Phase 4A and applauded the municipality for prioritising public transport, saying the opportunities that this kind of accessibility will open up are infinite.
He said the execution of Phase 4A is expected to boost passenger trips from 15 600 to about 24 000 on weekdays. The community of Thembalethu will receive 11 additional buses as a result of the increased number of journeys, which is projected to create jobs through the recruitment of new drivers.
Go-George bus stops are anticipated to be within 500m of over 80% of households.
The bus service will ensure that Themba-lethu residents have additional options for moving around the city and will expand their access to job possibilities, schools, medical services and recreation.
Monitoring progress
It has been proven throughout the province that efficient public transportation can be successful where provincial and local governments work together, America said. Local governments play a vital role in utilising infrastructure development to bring communities together and closer to economic activities.
The committee will visit George again in October. America will be requesting regular updates to monitor the roll-out of Phase 4A.
Municipality committed
Municipal spokesperson Chantèl Edwards said the GIPTN (George Integrated Public Transport Network) remains focused on expansion of the bus service to Phase 4A (Thembalethu) next, as soon as responsibly possible.
"Access for all to a quality service remains our highest priority, and every effort is being made to ensure that infrastructure, vehicles and trained staff are in place and that there is a good understanding between all stakeholders and affected parties when we do roll out services to Thembalethu," she said.
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