Residents of the Rosemore Home for the Aged, Optima Day Care Centre (at The Association for the Physically Disabled) and Watson's Old Age Home took a spin in the bus prototype to ensure that the mini-bus is accessible to users with special needs, said Chantel Edwards-Klose, the George Municipality media liaison officer.
"On disembarking the passengers were issued with questionnaires about the mini-bus prototype and use of the hydraulic lift. Valid feedback was received from the residents and carers on, for example, improving the placement of grip handles at the entrance," said Edwards-Klose.
Llewellyn Frans, manager for the Rosemoor Home for the Aged, said that the access to public transport will make a huge difference in the lives of his aged residents.
"This will allow our more able residents to go to the shops and visit the library independently," he said. "We battle with transport at the moment for our physically challenged elderly group, those using walkers and wheelchairs. Now, with ca-rers travelling with them, the GO GEORGE bus system will give our residents mobility."
During the testing at the Optima Day Care Centre in Pacaltsdorp, one child commented "die bus ry beter as lekker", in a trip around the block. The Association for People with Disabilities in George caters for 50 physically disabled children and 20 adults. Their own two vehicles do six trips, twice a day to collect and return the children/adults to their private homes.
Photos: Michelle Pienaar
'We bring you the latest George, Garden Route news'
