GO GEORGE Bus Service Celebrates Expansion and Infrastructure Enhancements During Transport Month

October marks not just the National Transport Month but also a celebration of significant milestones for GO GEORGE, the public bus service in George, South Africa that has shown commendable progress over the past decade. Having commenced operations nearly 10 years ago with just 12 buses, GO GEORGE now boasts a substantial fleet of 133 buses, carrying around 20,000 passengers on weekdays across an expansive network of 33 routes that span 465 kilometers.

This Transport Month, Morné Lakay, the manager of GO GEORGE, voiced his appreciation for the year's advancements. Reflecting a spirit of community service, he emphasized the joy of witnessing local residents utilizing the bus system as an easy and cost-effective transportation solution.

A prime highlight of this year is the inauguration of a new route to Thembalethu, a milestone made possible by the recent completion of the Thembalethu/N2 bridge. Plans are in place to introduce a second route to the industrial sector, directly catering to the commuting needs of many residents, with further expansions in the pipeline as resources and demand permit.

The system's infrastructure has undergone substantial development. At the transfer precinct of the Garden Route Mall, a sheltered terminal with seating and a seamlessly integrated Smart Card kiosk stands as the epitome of modernity harmonized with the design ethos of the central George Transport Hub. In addition to this, six new bus shelters, including two high-capacity shelters, were installed complete with electrical provisions for lighting, universally accessible sidewalks, and a UPS system to ensure uninterrupted operation of the transfer facilities.

Road improvements have been consistent, with a focus on rehabilitating and upgrading municipal roads across George—those currently serving the transport routes and those intended for future use. Key achievements include the completed upgrades of Golf Street in Parkdene and Hope Street in George South, alongside ongoing works in Ngcakani Street and Tabata Street in Thembalethu, and several roads in Rosemoor and Pacaltsdorp.

Digital enhancements have also been introduced, with the launch of an updated GO GEORGE website promoted as a comprehensive information portal. The new online platform features real-time timetables sourced directly from the system's database and a stop explorer tool that empowers users to discover all the routes associated with a particular bus stop, including departure schedules.

These developments not only enhance the public transport experience but also reflect the dedicated efforts to ensure accessible and efficient mobility for the residents of George, a testament to the growth and progress of the GO GEORGE bus service.