George Executive Mayor, Alderman Leon van Wyk, announced that the next set of routes of the GO GEORGE bus service will be activated in November 2022, expanding the bus service to Thembalethu and thereby doubling the current reach of the system.
Following this resolution at a special council meeting held on Wednesday 28 September 2022, the Mayor expressed his delight that this point was eventually reached. “This is a momentous occasion. We acknowledge and appreciate the dedication of the Uncedo Taxi Association, the George Community Forum, the Western Cape Government and the municipal team who have been in discussion for a long time. We acknowledge that all concerns will not have been resolved by the time of roll-out, but we remain committed to continue engaging with one another, ensuring that GO GEORGE delivers a dignified service to the people of Thembalethu who have been waiting for so many years,” he said.
Thembalethu routes
With 10 main routes departing in Thembalethu, passengers will be able to travel directly to the city centre, industrial area, Blanco and the Garden Route Mall. Five community routes will crisscross over Thembalethu, making it easy to travel within the area or to join one of the main routes connecting Thembalethu with existing GO GEORGE routes operating in and between the CBD, Pacaltsdorp, Denneoord, Loerie Park, Rosemoor, Blanco, Heatherlands, Heather Park, and the Garden Route Mall. Three early-morning routes will transport hospital staff to their places of work in time for their early shifts.
Community engagement
The GO GEORGE communications team is looking forward to start engaging with the Thembalethu community shortly, explaining to new bus users how the system works.
Contact GO GEORGE by phoning the Call Centre (0800 044 044) or sending an email (info@gogeorge.org.za), or like the GO GEORGE Facebook page to stay up to date with developments.