A new Go George bus service will connect rural communities in the Western Cape with George from Friday, October 30, giving residents a transport option for travelling to work, shopping and accessing essential services, reports the Oudtshoorn Courant.

The service, announced by the Western Cape Government and George Municipality, follows years of calls for reliable public transport in the area. A one-way trip between Uniondale or Haarlem and George will cost R110.

George Mayor Browen Johnson said the route responded to a long-standing need among rural residents.

“Our communities in Uniondale, Haarlem and the surrounding rural areas have waited a long time for a service that recognises and responds to their daily realities. This route is about more than transport – it is about creating opportunities, improving access and ensuring that our rural communities feel included.”

Johnson said the initiative began with a request from residents, prompting engagements with Western Cape Mobility Minister Isaac Sileku.

“This journey started with a request from the community. We listened, acted by engaging with Minister Sileku to explore a way forward, and now we are delivering through implementation.”

The service will initially run on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, using two 15-seater minibuses.

The vehicles will depart from Uniondale and Haarlem at 06:00. Passengers will transfer to one bus at the T-junction before continuing towards George.

Stops along the route include Avontuur, Noll, Eenzaamheid, Ganzekraal, Ezeljacht, Herold and Waboomskraal.

The bus is expected to arrive at the George Transport Hub in the city centre at about 08:00. The return journey will depart at 15:00.

Passengers should allow for possible delays because of ongoing roadworks on the N9.

Bookings and fares

Unlike the existing Go George services within George, the rural route will operate on a reservation system. Passengers are encouraged to book in advance because each minibus has space for only 15 people.

Bookings can be made by calling or sending a WhatsApp message to 074 305 4180. Passengers without reservations may be accommodated if seats are available.

A small trailer will be available for limited luggage, including shopping bags and personal belongings.

The one-way fares are:

• George to or from Noll: R60
• Haarlem or Uniondale to or from Noll: R60
• George to or from Uniondale or Haarlem: R110

A return trip between Uniondale and George will cost R220.

Rural transport requires a different approach

Go George manager Morné Lakay said establishing a service outside the urban area required a different approach to planning and operations.

“Every aspect of such a service looks different from the standard bus service in George – from needs assessment, permission for and construction of bus stops, frequency and timetables, to a non-electronic ticketing system and cash payment during boarding.”

Lakay said the planning process had involved several revisions to ensure the service met rural passengers’ needs.

“We have been back to the drawing board again and again and now feel ready and eager to get the wheels rolling.”

Sileku said extending public transport to remote communities was an important step towards improving access to opportunities.

“When we expand transport to remote communities, we are not just building routes – we are building dignity.”

He said the initiative reflected the provincial government’s commitment to providing practical, safe and reliable transport regardless of where people live.

Further information

Go George representatives will visit affected communities before the launch to explain how the service works and assist residents with enquiries.

Route information, fares and trip-planning tools are available at the Go George website.

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