An interesting entourage of 25 high school learners and one beauty queen last week created quite a stir during a walkabout at the bus depot of George Link from where the GO GEORGE buses are operated.
Most of the time, official visits to the depot are undertaken by serious-looking municipal delegations visiting GO GEORGE to learn more about the local operations. This time, as part of National Transport Month activities, the George Junior City Council and Miss Planet International, Monique Best, were invited to have a closer look and learn more about the “service behind the service”.
Monique, who was also awarded Youth Ambassador 2019 at the George Business Chamber’s annual awards on Friday, is an old-learner of Outeniqua High School and despite vast international responsibilities in terms of conservation awareness, happened to be in George this month. “Being Miss Planet International, I support all efforts that focus on conservation of our planet. It is important for me to listen to what huge operations such as GO GEORGE have in place to respect our natural resources,” she said.
Monique was happy to see a rain-water system being used to wash the buses, as well as freight containers recycled by George Link staff themselves, now serving as training facilities, and shortly also a canteen.
The Junior City Council (JCC) members accompanied by their mayoral representative, Cllr Liza Stroebel, enthusiastically blew into the breathalyser at the security entrance to the depot, most impressed by the zero-tolerance policy of entrance to the premises when under the influence of alcohol.
According to Junior Mayor, Inilé du Toit, the members who rely on the buses to get to school were “ecstatic to see the inner workings of the bus service”, while those who are not so familiar with the buses, were very excited to have their first bus ride after conclusion of the depot tour. “We were very impressed by the extent to which the buses accommodate all people, no matter what their physical needs or abilities are,” she said. “We as the JCC will certainly encourage more people to make use of the GO GEORGE buses as it is a cost-effective and more environmentally friendly way of transport. The depot visit was an overall positive learning experience and will remain a highlight for the JCC this year.”
