GEORGE NEWS - Commuters may be surprised to find traffic officers riding alongside them on Go George buses this December - but it’s all part of a creative new campaign to keep pedestrians safe during the busy holiday season.

Starting 2 December, Go George and the Traffic Education Unit of the George Traffic Department will join forces to raise awareness about pedestrian safety, focusing on the thousands of passengers who use the bus service daily. 

With holidaymakers flocking to George and unfamiliar visitors navigating in-lane bus stops, the risk of jaywalking and unsafe crossings increases significantly.

The campaign responds to the high incidence of pedestrian accidents in South Africa, many linked to ignoring traffic rules. Locally, officials have observed risky behaviour when passengers approach or disembark buses, despite ongoing education efforts. The initiative will highlight the importance of setting a good example for children, who often mirror adult behaviour in traffic situations.

For 10 days in December, three dedicated traffic officials will travel on morning-peak buses, sharing short, practical safety messages with passengers. They will be supported by Go George’s communication champions, who will reinforce the messages at busy transfer points such as York, Hibernia, Cradock and Market Streets. 

To add extra energy, the much-loved traffic safety mascot, Danny Cat, will make surprise appearances at transfer locations, delighting children and adults alike.

George Traffic Chief Janine Wells welcomed the collaboration: “We are thrilled to be working hand-in-hand with Go George on this important initiative. The enthusiasm and smooth cooperation between our teams show how committed we all are to protecting lives. By meeting passengers where they are - on the buses and at busy stops - we can make safety messages practical, memorable, and effective.”

Go George Manager Morné Lakay emphasised the importance of this educational initiative. “We appeal to passengers to ‘lend an ear’ and take note of the information that will be shared in the interest of a safer pedestrian environment around our buses and transfer facilities.”

With a target of reaching 2 000 passengers and pedestrians during the campaign, Go George and George Traffic Services are determined to make this festive season safer for everyone on the move.

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