The George Municipality has announced the annual adjustment to GO GEORGE bus fares, effective 1 July 2025. This yearly increase aligns with municipal tariff adjustments and remains focused on affordability. Thanks to government subsidies and the free transfer option within one hour, GO GEORGE continues to be one of the most budget-friendly transport choices in the city.
Maximize your savings with smart card bundles
Passengers will see a 70c increase per trip when purchasing bundles of 10 trips or more, bringing the price to R13.45 per trip. Bundles of two to eight trips will cost R14.80 per trip, reflecting a 65c increase.
To encourage cost-effective travel, single trips loaded onto the Smart card will increase by 90c, reaching R17.90 per trip. GO GEORGE urges passengers to take advantage of multi-trip bundles, as they offer the best savings and help avoid the hassle of frequent top-ups.
For example, passengers commuting to work or school five days a week will save R196 per month by opting for bundles of 10 trips or more instead of purchasing individual trips.
Smart card perks for first-time buyers
A GO GEORGE smart card will cost R41, with first-time buyers receiving two free trips upon presenting valid identification. Cards bought without identification or replacements also cost R41, but do not include free trips.
GO GEORGE sells smart cards at a reduced rate and not at their actual cost to the municipality, ensuring accessibility while not profiting from card sales.
Trips never expire – plan ahead and save
Trips loaded onto a smart card never expire, meaning any trips purchased before the tariff increase remain valid. Passengers who wish to save on upcoming fares can stock up on trips before 1 July but should keep their cards safe—lost or stolen trips cannot be transferred to a new card.
Make the most of your existing smart card
Passengers are encouraged to top up their current smart cards rather than purchasing new ones unnecessarily. Like bank cards, smart cards expire five years after issuing, making it more cost-effective to use an existing card instead of buying a new one.
Stay informedFor the latest updates on fares and an up-to-date list of top-up vendors, contact the GO GEORGE Call Centre at 0800 044 044, follow the GO GEORGE Facebook page, or visit the Travel Cost page.