GEORGE NEWS - There has been increasing concern about the number of accidents involving Go George buses in recent months. While only a few of the accidents have been serious, George Herald readers have contacted the paper to enquire.
One of the recent accidents occurred at about 19:00 Thursday 5 October. Five vehicles, including a Go George bus and a bakkie, were involved in the accident near Stanmar Motors in York Street.
One of the cars involved in the accident crashed into a tree next to the road. The cause of the accident is not known.
Chantèl Edwards, chief communications officer of George Municipality, said where Go George buses are connected to an accident, it is not necessarily due to any driver shortcoming, which is often the first assumption.
"Passenger safety is our top priority and all our drivers undergo rigorous training. All accidents involving Go George buses are thoroughly investigated to determine any shortcomings that need to be addressed."
George Herald also made an inquiry after photos of another accident surfaced on Facebook. Go George confirmed the incident in PW Botha Boulevard on 19 October where a bus left the road while the driver was testing the master switch at the back of the bus because the "request to stop" button in the bus would not work.
The bus was stationary at a bus stop with the engine switched off when it started rolling and came to a stop in a ditch a few metres away.
The two passengers on board initially reported no injuries and were supported at the scene and taken home by a George Link supervisor. One of the passengers did inform Go George the next day that she was enduring discomfort and went to seek medical attention.
Go George continues to follow up with this passenger. The incident is still under thorough investigation to ensure there is no technical reason for such a situation to be repeated. All buses are maintained according to a scheduled plan to ensure passengers' safety.
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