Go George launches Route 11

GEORGE NEWS - Excitement flowed through the Go George officials on Sunday morning, 17 May.

The sun barely rose when this bus service officially launched its Route 11: Thembalethu to Garden Route Mall, a long-awaited milestone.

As the third bus route to serve this community, it marks a major step forward in expanding public transport access.

The route was officially activated with an early-morning trip from the Jonga Terminus, by the Garden Route District Municipality’s Mayor Marais Kruger, several municipal officials and invited guests.

Among the first passengers were commuters travelling between Jonga Circle and the mall, which included Nontsukelelo Ketelo, the first passenger travelling to the Garden Route Mall, who works at Pick n Pay, and Lungi Mahlu, a carer returning home from duty at the Blue Mountain Estate.

Go George driver Andile Tela and Nontsukelelo Ketelo, the first passenger travelling to the Garden Route Mall from Jonga Circle in Thembalethu. Photo: Supplied

At the Garden Route Mall terminus, Kruger officially declared the route operational, deeming it an important moment for mobility and economic access for residents. “Today is more than the launch of a new route. It is a step towards greater dignity, opportunity and connection for the residents of Thembalethu. They have waited patiently for this direct route, and I am proud that the George Municipality, together with the Western Cape Mobility Department, can finally deliver this service,” he said.

Watch: GO GEORGE Route 11 Launch: Thembalethu–Garden Route Mall. First journey & celebrations

Western Cape Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku said Route 11 demonstrates how public transport development can respond directly to residents’ needs.

The new route provides a direct connection between Thembalethu and the Garden Route Mall precinct, which includes shopping centres and employment hubs. Previously, many residents travelling to the mall had to rely on multiple transfers via the N2 bridge area and Route 16. The new route removes that extra step and is expected to simplify daily travel.

Passengers can also transfer from the mall to routes serving Rosemoor, Loerie Park, Eden, Bergsig, George East and the CBD. Passengers can use GoBot, Go George’s WhatsApp chat assistant, for route planning and transport information, while additional information is available on the Go George website.

Lungi Mahlu on her first ride from the Garden Route Mall to Jonga Circle in Thembalethu. Mahlu works as a carer and was returning from duty at the Blue Mountain Estate. Photo: Supplied