GEORGE NEWS - The GO GEORGE bus service will be expanding to outlying areas around George over the next five years to include routes to Victoria Bay, Wilderness, Herold’s Bay, and George Airport.
Prof Nomafrench Mbombo, MPP and DA Western Cape spokesperson on Mobility, said in a statement on 3 June that this outward expansion will follow the full integration of the Thembalethu route expansion.
Two main-line routes in Thembalethu have been successfully rolled out to date. Mbombo said the Department of Mobility in conjunction with George Muncipality plans to complete the remaining phases for Thembalethu residents, before focusing on Phases 5 and 6 that will extend the network to Victoria Bay, Wilderness, Herold’s Bay, and George Airport.
The planned expansion is detailed in the Western Cape Government’s Provincial Strategic Plan for 2025-2030.
"GO GEORGE is the first non-metro Integrated Public Transport Network (IPTN) in South Africa to be successfully established and provides dignified, inclusive, and accessible transport to vulnerable residents in George," said Mbombo.
Currently, GO GEORGE is transporting around 21 000 passengers per day.
She said despite facing budget constraints, the bus service continues to evolve as the Western Cape Department of Mobility, in partnership with the George Municipality, remains committed to managing the service and expanding its reach through infrastructure upgrades and additional feeder routes, especially in areas like Thembalethu.
"These improvements will enable the GO GEORGE network to reach deeper into the community, connecting more residents to economic and social opportunities across George and the broader Garden Route."
Mbombo was in George last week and travelled on a GO GEORGE route from Thembalethu to the George CBD via Nelson Mandela Boulevard. She commented on the quality and impact of the service that is accessible and safe, particularly for vulnerable members of the George community, including senior citizens, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, and parents with young children.
“The design and functionality of the GO GEORGE buses are truly impressive. From clearly marked priority seating and wheelchair accessibility to visual and audio announcements, the system demonstrates a strong commitment to transport equity and dignity for all."
George Herald has approached GO GEORGE for comment and will share it as soon as it becomes available.
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