A Testimonial of GO GEORGE Public Transport at the OCC

Date: March 6, 2024 | Posted in George News | Lifestyle | News

Raven Benny and Shirnae

Deputy Mayor and Georgie, George’s Deputy Mayor, Cllr Raybin Figland, along with the mascot Georgie, sent off the athletes with inspiring words of support.

Raven Benny, a wheelchair user for the past 24 years, has attended almost every OCC event, missing only one. That time, he stumbled upon the race while visiting the Garden Route and found streets closed and red flags signaling the event. Impressed, Benny has been bringing groups of wheelchair users to the OCC ever since.

This year, he aimed to utilize the most affordable and safe public transport available from KZN to George, opting for a long-distance bus service. Before their journey, he made inquiries via email about the GO GEORGE ticketing system and where to purchase cards.

Photo: Raven Benny led a team from Kwazulu-Natal, using only public transport to and in George and back home. To accommodate their five wheelchairs on one bus, some of the team members were assisted to sit on the seats while folding up their wheelchairs. With him is Shirnae van Coller from the GO GEORGE Call Centre who guided the group to get to the Transport Hub to top up their cards with trips.

Putting public transport to the test, Benny remarked, “It’s been quite rewarding to be in a town with a functional accessible public transport system.” Despite some disappointments with the long-distance carrier, Benny and his friends found the GO GEORGE bus service efficient. They appreciated its safety, ease of use, independence in navigation, and affordability. Although they faced issues topping up their cards initially, it was resolved with assistance from the GO GEORGE Call Centre.

Ghana’s champion loves the minibus hoist, Participants from Ghana, including marathon athlete Raphael Botsyo Nkegbe, praised the GO GEORGE service. Nkegbe, a frequent participant, admired the hydraulic hoist on the GO GEORGE minibus, expressing hope for similar accessibility in Ghana.

Capetonians felt safe on the buses, Members of the Mandla Sport 4 Change organization from Cape Town, who regularly participate in the 5-km event, tested the minibus hoist. Chairperson Vanessa Baadjies noted feeling safe and appreciated the wheelchair accessibility on GO GEORGE buses.

GO GEORGE participation, Eighteen members of the GO GEORGE communications team provided support at the event, sharing information about the service’s focus on universal accessibility. Georgie and communication champions cheered on participants and even joined in a go-kart race, crossing the finish line with pride.