The Finocchiaro CLP Government is delivering a safer and more reliable bus service with the closure of the Darwin and Casuarina bus interchanges later this month.
From Monday October 27, Casuarina commuters will continue to access bus services from existing bus stops distributed on surrounding streets.
The Darwin Bus Interchange will continue to act as a bus stop and layover bay for drivers, however the current interchange building including toilets will be closed.
Plans for the Palmerston Bus Interchange are still being considered to ensure connections to Darwin, Casuarina, Palmerston suburbs, rural areas and school bus services are maintained.
Minister for Infrastructure Bill Yan said the decision to close the interchanges was supported with feedback from the community.
"By avoiding a situation with large groups of people, you end up with a more controlled environment which helps create a safer experience for everybody," he said.
Minister Yan said the closure of the interchanges follows a successful 3-day high-visibility operation targeting anti-social behaviour.
"We saw a marked drop in issues across the bus network thanks to the Transit Officers, Family and Youth Support officers and Student Engagement Officers along with teams from Wilson Security and NT Police who did a great job," he said.
"Removing interchanges is another important step towards a safer bus network and private security officers and Transit Officers will continue to have a presence across the bus network at required locations."
"This includes security officers stationed at the Bradshaw Terrace, Trower Road and Scaturchio Street bus stops that are wheelchair accessible, and the secure bicycle enclosure that will remain on Bradshaw Terrace."
"With shorter wait times, more efficient bus networks, and CCTV at key locations, the overall experience will be safer and more efficient."
School bus services currently departing from the Casuarina Bus Interchange will now depart from the Trower Road bus stop and students are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the new departure locations for school bus services.
Minister Yan encouraged commuters use the NT Bus Tracker App to help plan their journeys, including walking and cycling times to their destination.
"It's easy to use and makes planning your trip a breeze," he said.
The CLP are delivering a raft of bus safety reform initiatives, as part of their Bus Safety Reform Strategy here to reduce anti-social behaviour, improve safety and enhance service delivery.
· installing safety screens for every driver
· closing bus interchanges
· expanding CCTV at known hotspots
· enhancing on-board duress alarms and direct radio links to Transit Officers
· delivering the NT Bus Tracker App
· improving driver safety by removing the need to carry cash
For updated information about the closures, including updated timetables search "NT bus changes" or head to Public bus alerts and route changes here
