- Cook Labor Government to invest more than $14 million to continue and expand Broome bus servicesax
- Funding to ensure locals and visitors have access to affordable and accessible public transport
- Follows the government's decision to deliver a temporary bus service after the closure of the privately-owned Broome Explorer Bus service last year
- Cook Labor Government committed to delivering reliable, high quality public transport services across Western Australia
The Cook Labor Government will continue and expand TransBroome bus services supported by a $14.2 million commitment in the State Budget 2026-27.
After the Broome Explorer Bus Service ceased operations in August last year, the Cook Labor Government stepped in to provide a temporary town bus service to ensure residents and visitors weren't left without access to public transport.
As a result, TransBroome services were expanded to absorb the former Broome Explorer Bus route travelling between Cable Beach, Chinatown and Town Beach.
The service has since helped Broome residents stay connected to employment and essential services, while ensuring tourists and visitors can access key attractions and local businesses.
Patronage has been strong since the service transitioned to the Public Transport Authority (PTA), with up to 24 passengers per trip on average during peak times.
Following the advocacy of Kimberley MLA Divina D'Anna and growing community demand, the Cook Labor Government has locked in funding for the service for the next four years.
As part of the commitment, the Public Transport Authority will purchase four additional buses to operate in Broome, establish a new bus depot and deliver essential infrastructure upgrades.
The service will also be expanded to include Roebuck Estate, Broome North, more of Cable Beach, and Broome Airport. Services will also be increased during the peak tourist season.
New ticketing systems will also be installed on each bus, allowing for payments by SmartRider and bank cards in line with Perth and other regional towns.
For further information about the service, including its current timetable, please visit https://www.transregional.wa.gov.au/broome .
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"When the Broome Explorer Bus ceased operations, the Cook Labor Government acted quickly to keep public transport running in Broome.
"The TransBroome service has been a huge success for the local community and now we're making it permanent.
"Providing reliable public transport ensures Broome residents can stay connected to employment opportunities and essential services, and visitors can explore this incredible region with ease.
"We're proud to not only be continuing this vital service but expanding it, as part of our commitment to providing accessible and affordable public transport right across WA."
As stated by Kimberley Minister Stephen Dawson:
"Not only are the Cook Labor Government keeping this service running, we are expanding it. Public transport is crucial for people to reach services, commute to their jobs, and offers tourists an excellent way to explore and learn about the area.
"Because of the local member's and the community's dedicated efforts, the Cook Labor Government is delivering a service that will keep Broome's residents and visitors well connected.
"Congratulations to Divina D'Anna on her strong advocacy to grow this service."
As stated by Kimberley MLA Divina D'Anna:
"I know how important this bus service is to our community, which is why I have been strongly advocating to see it expanded.
"This service is popular among locals and visitors alike, helping people move around our region easily and affordably, supporting our local economy.
"The Cook Labor Government is proud to be continuing this vital public transport service, and I am excited to see it expanded to even more destinations across Broome, including the airport."
