Go George on-bus pedestrian-safety campaign reaches more passengers than expected

GEORGE NEWS - A festive-season pedestrian-safety campaign jointly run by Go George and the Traffic Education Unit of the George Traffic Department has exceeded expectations, reaching nearly 2 800 bus passengers over nine days.

The campaign, which ran from 2 December, saw traffic education officers boarding Go George buses during the morning peak to share practical pedestrian-safety tips with commuters.

These messages were reinforced at busy transfer points by Go George champions. While the initial target was to reach 2 000 passengers, a total of 2 780 commuters received direct safety messaging.

According to the George Municipality, passengers responded positively to the initiative and welcomed reminders about safe road-crossing behaviour, particularly around in-lane bus stops. Many commuters encouraged organisers to repeat similar campaigns in future. The presence of mascots Danny Cat from Traffic and Georgie from Go George added a light-hearted element, with passengers stopping for selfies and engaging with the safety ambassadors.

Traffic chief Janine Wells praised the collaboration between the two teams, saying the campaign not only surpassed its target but also created meaningful and memorable interactions. “These positive engagements help reinforce safety messages in everyday behaviour,” she said.

Go George manager Morné Lakay said the campaign demonstrated the value of working together.

“We are very pleased with the outcomes of this collaborative approach, which has laid a strong foundation for more regular campaigns in the year ahead,” he said.

Building on the success of the initiative, a follow-up pedestrian-safety campaign is planned for the start of the new school year, with learners set to be the primary focus to ensure young road users are equipped with practical safety knowledge.

Danny Cat and Georgie paid a final visit to passengers at the Beach Road bus stops in Pacaltsdorp. From left are traffic education officer Siphelele Motsepe, Go George champions Nomhle Msenge, Janel van Rooi and Bridgette Dietricks, community liaison officer Tyron Jeyi, and traffic education officer Eddie Felix.