LATEST – 11 September: Although the GO GEORGE service remains compromised, 23 buses were running on the main routes today, thanks to temporary drivers put into service by George Link. Training of temporary drivers with the required qualifications is currently taking place.
“We thank the small group of dedicated drivers and other qualified operational staff who are not striking, as well as those drivers who came forward to help out and expand the limited service, and would appreciate more volunteers making contact with George Link. We were already able to transport more passengers today than on the two previous days,” says GO GEORGE Manager, James Robb. “By Monday, things should definitely look better than on Friday, but it will be nothing close to normal, unfortunately.”
Robb is appealing to passengers and road users to be patient with the temporary drivers who might be making mistakes, since they are not acquainted with the bus routes and operational procedures. “They will definitely be skilled, licensed drivers, though, so passengers’ safety is not at stake.”
The current routes being serviced are 1A (Harmony Park – CBD), 1B (New Dawn Park – CBD), 60 (Rosedale/Syferfontein), 2 (Blanco – CBD), 7 (Garden Route Mall – CBD), 14 (Pacaltsdorp – Industria, peak time only) and 53 (Rosemoor – CBD). Until further notice, the last buses of the day will depart at 20:00.
George Link is requesting drivers with a valid Code 10 or 14 license and a Public Drivers’ Permit (PDP) to transport passengers, to phone them on 044 873 4803.
9 September: GO GEORGE would like to inform our passengers that, due to the limited service being run, the final departure time for buses will again be 20:00 tonight.
9 September: TEMPORARY DRIVERS BROUGHT IN
Although the GO GEORGE bus service remains compromised due to the illegal bus drivers’ strike since yesterday, 8 September 2016, George Link has informed GO GEORGE that they are in the process of sourcing temporary drivers and that the number of active buses has been increased to 16 now. The first group of drivers has been appointed this morning and another group is expected to be appointed this afternoon.The challenge is to find qualified, licensed drivers who know the routes and have the necessary product certification. George Link is requesting drivers with a valid Code 10 or 14 license and a Public Drivers’ Permit (PDP) to transport passengers, to phone them on 044 873 4803.
Routes 1A, 1B, 60, 2, 7, 14 (peaktime only) and 53 are being serviced.
Take note, however, that due to the limited service, the normal schedules will not apply. GO GEORGE endeavours to service the busiest routes and thereby assist as many passengers as possible. Route 14 will only run during peaktime. As capacity is limited, we would like to encourage passengers who can arrange alternative transport, to do so until normal service resumes.
While George Link remains committed to resolve the issue, GO GEORGE once again apologises to all passengers and the community for this serious disruption and inconvenience, and welcomes George Link’s emergency measures.
8 September: GO GEORGE would like to inform our passengers that, due to the limited service being run, the final departure time for buses will be 20:00 tonight. GO GEORGE would like to thank George Link and the small group of dedicated bus drivers who have been active since early this morning and are currently running 11 buses on the main routes.
8 September: GO GEORGE regrets to announce that the GO GEORGE service remains heavily compromised on Thursday afternoon 8 September as well as Friday 9 September 2016 due to the illegal strike of George Link bus drivers. A very limited service will be delivered on main routes. GO GEORGE suggests that passengers make use of alternative transport where possible. GO GEORGE apologizes for the disruption and the huge impact of this unplanned strike on schools, businesses, passengers and the community.