Update

GEORGE NEWS - Go George buses were greeted with cheers from residents when they entered Thembalethu early on Sunday morning, 5 November. 

In the first bus that entered Thembalethu just after 05:00, there were emotional scenes and tears of joy among Go George and municipal officials. The waiting was over after more than seven years. 

The date originally set for service to roll out was in June 2016, but this was delayed several times.

In the weeks running up to Sunday, several successful dry-run trips took place.

The route, Route 18A, runs between Thembalethu and Blanco. A total of 1 954 passengers boarded buses on this first day.

George Mayor Leon van Wyk was on the first trip, followed a little later by Eden Police District Commissioner Major General Norman Modishana. As far as could be established, everything went smoothly and no incidents were reported. Strict security measures were in place and there was a high police and law and order presence. 

Strict security meausures were in place on Sunday.

The atmosphere in Thembalethu was calm and some taxi drivers even greeted Go George personnel and municipal officials.

The man who will go down in history as the first driver to do a Thembalethu route is Ferdie Mahella. Shortly before the bus departed he was excited, saying the service is necessary for the residents. He reported no incidents afterwards.

Van Wyk said it was a historic day and that the service will enable residents to travel safely to work, among others.

James Robb of Go George described it as incredible day. It was "super exciting" for him to have the first passengers on the bus. "It has been many years in the making," he said. "Along the way there were many challenges." 

Ferdie Mahella was the first driver to officially take charge of a bus into Thembalethu. With him is the mayor of George, Leon van Wyk. 

Thembalethu resident Sammy Booi chats to James Robb of Go George during a ride.

He thanked all the role players involved and stressed that it had been a team effort. He said there is a safety and security plan in place to ensure the safety of passengers. "The aim is to provide passengers with a safe and reliable service."

Deidre Ribbonaar, Chief Director of Transport Operations in the Western Cape provincial government, said her first impressions were that things looked good. She said this was an illustration of what partnerships can do with all spheres of government being involved in the project.

Some of the passengers that George Herald spoke to said they were happy about having the service.

"We have been waiting for three years for the service. I feel safe to travel on the bus," said Sammy Booi. She was very happy about being able to board a bus on the Thembalethu side of the N2 bridge now and not having to walk across the bridge to get a bus.

Another one of the first passengers, Hlumelo Maso, said he was excited about making use of the service.

Currently the first bus on this route departs at 05:20 in the morning and the last at 19:30. This could change at a later stage.

Eden Police District Commissioner Major General Norman Modishana and James Robb of Go George enjoy a ride.

Hlumelo Maso, Luxolo Mbelu and Ayanda Nongxaza were among the first passengers on the Go George bus. Photos: Eugene Gunning

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