Phased-in roll-out for Thembalethu

GEORGE NEWS - Go George has announced that its bus service to Thembalethu will be activated in three stages with the first wheels rolling down Nelson Mandela Boulevard soon, to be followed by the other two stages.

The George Council accepted that it had not been possible to make the initial November deadline, but resolved that service should roll out as soon as possible with a further announcement to be made at least one week before the activation of the routes.

The current preparations are all seen as part of rolling out the service.

Three stages of roll-out

Stage 1:

Route 11 Thembalethu - GR Mall
Route 18A Thembalethu - Blanco
Route 18B Fourways - Blanco
Route 57A Jonga Community
Route 57B Ramaphosa Community
Route 57C Tabata Community

Stage 2:

Route 10 Thembalethu - George Industria
Route 57D Fourways Community

Stage 3:

Route 4A Thembalethu - CBD
Route 4A Express Thembalethu - CBD
Route 4B Fourways - CBD
Route 57E Ngcakani Community
Route 62A Jonga - Hospital
Route 62B Ramaphosa - Hospital
Route 62C Tabata - Hospital

From restaurants, gymnasiums and factories to nurseries and petrol stations – all over George, staff residing in Thembalethu are taking a moment to learn what they can expect when the bus service rolls out to their area. Here, Tyron Jeyi, Go George community liaison officer, chats to workers at a garage in Blanco.

Information about the Thembalethu service

The first phase of the Thembalethu roll-out information campaign focused on visits to businesses in town that employ Thembalethu residents, followed by a three-week campaign at the Thembalethu clinic and library, and engagement with staff at schools and educational institutions.

To date, these activities resulted in one-on-one engagement with 7 748 individuals.

On 7 February, the communication champions started with door-to-door engagement with residents at their homes, which to date has covered 1 972 homes and approximately 7 888 household members. Information sheets containing route maps of the phased-in roll-out are being handed out and explained to prospective passengers.

The unanimous response to the news that the buses are definitely still coming is that of excitement, relief, and gratitude.

Cleaning can wait! Vuyelwa Myali listens attentively to communication champion Nomnikelo Bolitye explaining how she can use the bus service.

All-over readiness

Infrastructure such as bus stops, temporary shelters and operational facilities are on schedule and mostly completed. Residents should soon see buses driving through the area testing schedules and routes.

Anyone who would like to request an informational visit to the Go George staff or organisation can phone the Call Centre on 0800 044 044 from 05:00 until 20:00, seven days a week.

These women visiting the Thembalethu Clinic were excited to learn more about the upcoming bus service to Thembalethu. From left are Phumzile Bonga, Siphokazi Goliath, Go George communication champion Akhona Gxumisa, Inna Adam and a friendly visitor (identification unknown).