GEORGE NEWS – For residents of Uniondale, Haarlem and surrounding rural communities, travelling to George for work, shopping and essential services is about to become easier and more affordable, with the launch of a long-awaited Go George bus service on Friday 30 October.
The new route will connect these communities to central George four days a week, offering scheduled transport at a cost of R110 for a single trip between Uniondale or Haarlem and George.
The service, announced by the Western Cape Government and George Municipality, follows years of calls from rural residents for access to reliable public transport.
George Mayor Browen Johnson described the introduction of the route as an important milestone for the municipality.
“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 originated from a request by the community, which prompted 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.”
How the service will operate
The service will initially operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
Two 15-seater minibuses 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 approximately 08:00, with the return journey departing at 15:00.
Passengers are advised that ongoing roadworks on the N9 may affect arrival times.
Bookings essential
Unlike the existing Go George services operating in town, the new route will use a reservation system, with passengers encouraged to secure their seats in advance.
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, but advance bookings are strongly recommended because each minibus can carry only 15 passengers.
A small trailer will also be available for limited luggage, including shopping bags and personal belongings.
Ticket prices
The following one-way fares will apply:
- George to or from Noll: R60
- Haarlem or Uniondale to or from Noll: R60
- George to or from Uniondale or Haarlem: R110
A return journey between Uniondale and George will cost R220.
Different approach for rural transport
Go George Manager Morné Lakay said introducing 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 involved several revisions to ensure the service could meet the needs of rural passengers.
“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 mobility and access to opportunities.
“When we expand transport to remote communities, we are not just building routes – we are building dignity.”
He said the initiative demonstrated the provincial government's commitment to providing practical, safe and reliable transport regardless of where residents live.
More information
Go George communication representatives will visit affected communities ahead of the launch to explain how the service works and assist residents with enquiries.
Route information, fares and trip-planning tools are available here.
Passengers can also contact the Go George chatbot, GoBot, on WhatsApp at 078 090 6168 or call the Go George Call Centre on 0800 044 044 between 05:00 and 20:00 daily.
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