DISABILITY RIGHTS AWARENESS MONTH: SPOTLIGHT ON GO GEORGE

By: Staff Reporter | Western Cape

South Africa is observing Disability Rights Awareness Month from 3 November to 3 December. During this time, the Western Cape Mobility Department is highlighting the important progress being made to promote inclusion, accessibility, and safe mobility for everyone — especially persons with disabilities. One of the strongest examples of this progress is the GO GEORGE bus service, which continues to lead the way in accessible public transport in the province.

GO GEORGE has been designed to meet the needs of all passengers. Every bus in the fleet — mini, midi, and standard — has either a ramp or a hydraulic hoist to help passengers with mobility impairments board safely and with dignity. Inside the buses, clearly marked red priority seats provide extra space and easy access for those who need it. These features, supported by strong passenger education campaigns, help build a culture of courtesy, awareness, and respect.

These efforts are making a real difference. Passengers with disabilities currently make up 0.85% of total ridership, taking more than 4,000 trips each month. Passengers with special needs make up a further 11.09%, travelling more than 54,000 times every month.

The annual Macro-Transport and Socio-Economic Study, conducted by independent surveyors for the George Integrated Public Transport Network, continues to show very positive results. The 2024 study found that:

• 95% of surveyed special-needs passengers and 88% of passengers with disabilities say that GO GEORGE bus stops are accessible.
• 96% of passengers with disabilities believe the service provides adequately for their needs.

During Disability Rights Awareness Month, GO GEORGE is also working closely with the George Association for People with Disabilities and other special-needs organisations. Together, they are hosting sensitisation sessions for frontline staff who engage daily with passengers requiring additional support.

As part of these efforts, GO GEORGE has donated a wheelchair to the George Association for People with Disabilities, to be given to a deserving peer helper. The new wheelchair will help the recipient travel more independently and make full use of the bus service.

Ruben Plaatjies, who received the wheelchair, shared his appreciation:
“I am extremely grateful to receive this much-needed new wheelchair, replacing the worn-out one that carried me through years of dedicated service. I would like to thank everyone who has helped to make this possible.”

Western Cape Mobility Minister Isaac Sileku praised the initiatives, saying they reflect the province’s commitment to universal access.
“Accessibility is not an add-on; it is a fundamental right. GO GEORGE continues to show what it means to build public transport systems that give dignity, freedom, and mobility to all. When we remove barriers, we empower people. These initiatives ensure that we listen, learn, and act, so that every resident can move through our province with confidence and equality.”