The Finocchiaro CLP Government is continuing to improve the safety and reliability of bus services with the closure of Darwin and Casuarina interchanges today.
Minister for Logistics and Infrastructure Bill Yan said the interchanges had become hotspots for ongoing anti-social behaviour and would be replaced with bus stops.
"Passengers and drivers don't often feel safe with large groups of people loitering around so we're moving to smaller, decentralised stops to reduce that happening, shorten wait times, and increase community safety," he said.
"It also helps our hard-working transit officers better monitor and control the flow of passengers, especially during peak times."
Casuarina passengers will now use existing bus stops on Trower Road, Scaturchio Street and Bradshaw Terrace.
Routes 1, 1h, 2, 24 and school buses will depart from the bus stop on Trower Road.
The Darwin Bus Interchange will continue as a bus stop and the interchange building including toilets will be closed. Departure locations will not change.
Minister Yan said an update to the Palmerston Bus Interchange will be provided once a broader review has been undertaken.
"We know how busy the Palmerston interchange is given its connections to the Palmerston suburbs and rural areas and have a bit more to work to do making sure the changeover is seamless," he said.
The CLP have delivered a raft of 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
Minister Yan said the initiatives were getting results.
"We've seen a 20% decrease in incidents compared to the same time last year which shows we're making progress in our year of action, certainty and security," he said.
For updated information about the closures, including timetables search "NT bus changes" or head to Public bus alerts and route changes here
