Disability Rights Awareness Month (DRAM) GO GEORGE encourages attitude shift for inclusive travel
In the photo above, courtesy towards a passenger with a disability contributes to a culture of respect on board the bus.
Hoflikheid teenoor ‘n passasier met ‘n gestremdheid dra by tot ‘n kultuur van respek op die bus.
November marks Disability Rights Awareness Month, and GO GEORGE is once again highlighting the importance of inclusive public transport. This year’s focus is on fostering a respectful mindset among passengers and promoting universal access, ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability, can travel with dignity.
GO GEORGE’s accessible features empower all residents to reach work, school, healthcare and social opportunities.
“But true inclusion goes beyond infrastructure – it requires a shift in how we treat one another,” says GO GEORGE Manager Morné Lakay. “Facilities alone aren’t enough. We’re working to build a culture of respect and support on board. Once we see passengers willingly offer priority seats to those with special needs, we’ll know we’re making progress.”
Red-backed priority seats are clearly marked and offer extra legroom on both the larger buses and the minibus fleet. These are reserved for passengers with disabilities, older persons, pregnant women, and others who may need them.
Understanding universal access
Universal access means that everyone—regardless of age, ability, gender, or background – should benefit equally from public services. It’s a cornerstone of disability inclusion and a legal requirement under South African law and international commitments.
People with disabilities may face physical, sensory, intellectual or psychosocial barriers that limit their full participation in society. GO GEORGE is committed to removing at least some of these barriers, both through design and public education.
Anyone who feels unsure about using the bus service is invited to call the GO GEORGE Call Centre on 0800 044 044 for personalised support and guidance.
Maand vir Bewustheid van Regte van Mense met Gestremdhede
GO GEORGE moedig goeie gesindheid aan vir inklusiewe vervoer
November is die Maand vir Bewustheid van Regte van Mense met Gestremdhede, en GO GEORGE plaas weer die kollig op inklusiewe openbare vervoer. Vanjaar se fokus is op die bevordering van respek onder passasiers en ‘n begrip van universele toeganklikheid om te verseker dat almal, ongeag hul vermoë, met waardigheid kan reis.
GO GEORGE se toeganklike kenmerke stel inwoners in staat om by werk, skool, gesondheidsorg en sosiale geleenthede uit te kom.
“Maar ware insluiting gaan verder as infrastruktuur – dit verg ’n verandering in hoe ons mekaar behandel. Fasiliteite alleen is nie genoeg nie,” sê GO GEORGE-bestuurder Morné Lakay. “Ons werk daaraan om ’n kultuur van respek en ondersteuning op die busse te vestig. Wanneer passasiers spontaan hul prioriteitsitplekke begin aanbied aan iemand met spesiale behoeftes, sal ons weet ons is op die regte pad.”
Rooi-rug prioriteitsitplekke is duidelik gemerk en bied ekstra beenruimte op beide die groter busse en die minibusvloot. Hierdie sitplekke is uitgehou vir passasiers met gestremdhede, bejaardes, swanger vroue en ander wat dit nodig het.
Wat beteken universele toegang?
Universele toegang beteken dat elke persoon – ongeag ouderdom, vermoë, geslag of agtergrond – gelyke toegang tot openbare dienste moet hê. Dit is ’n kernbeginsel van insluiting en ’n wetlike vereiste ingevolge Suid-Afrikaanse wetgewing en internasionale ooreenkomste.
Mense met gestremdhede mag fisiese, sensoriese, intellektuele of psigososiale hindernisse ervaar wat hul volle deelname aan die samelewing beperk. GO GEORGE is daartoe verbind om ten minste sommige van hierdie hindernisse te verwyder – deur ontwerp én deur openbare opvoeding.
Enigiemand met ’n gestremdheid wat onseker voel oor die gebruik van die busdiens, is welkom om die GO GEORGE-inbelsentrum te skakel by 0800 044 044 vir persoonlike ondersteuning en leiding.