Safer Bus Network For Darwin And Palmerston
The Finocchiaro CLP Government is delivering a safer and more reliable public transport system with major reforms to bus services across Darwin and Palmerston.
Minister for Infrastructure and Logistics Bill Yan has announced a comprehensive Bus Safety Reform Strategy, which is a multi-stage plan to reduce anti-social behaviour, improve safety, and enhance service delivery for passengers and drivers.
“We want every Territorian to feel safe when they catch a bus,” said Mr Yan.
“These reforms are about building a public transport system people can trust and use with confidence.”
Key reforms include:
Closure of Casuarina interchange by October 2025: This will be followed by staged closures of the Darwin and Palmerston interchanges. These changes will reduce anti-social behaviour and support a more flexible, responsible network. Upgraded safety measures: This includes expanded CCTV at known hotspots, direct radio connections between drivers and police, and duress alarms on board buses. Launch of the new and improved NT Bus Tracker App on 1 August 2025: This will give passengers the ability to track their bus in real-time, receive arrival notifications, and plan their journeys; factoring in walking and cycling times to their destination. Continuation of free bus travel beyond 1 July 2025: This will support increased use of public transport while improving behaviour across the network.
“Since the introduction of free travel, the Transit Safety Unit and bus drivers have reported a decrease in anti-social behaviour on bus services,” said Mr Yan.
“New statistics confirm that our efforts to improve bus safety are delivering results with reported assaults on bus drivers down by 75%.
“While this is a significant step forward, our work is far from over. Ongoing reforms will continue to strengthen safety measures and support all users of the public transport network.
“These are real changes that will make a real difference.
“By shutting down outdated interchanges, boosting surveillance, and improving real-time communications, we’re creating a network that’s safer and more reliable for everyone.”
A full review of the Darwin and Palmerston bus network is now underway with a focus on reducing wait times, improving routes, and replacing some low-patronage late-night services with on-demand options.
“Whether you’re heading to school, work or home, this is about delivering a transport system that works better and responds to the needs of the community,” said Mr Yan.
This initiative is part of the Finocchiaro CLP Government’s year of action, which continues to reduce crime and restore the lifestyle Territorians deserve.
https://nt.gov.au/