The Northern Territory government has confirmed it’ll continue free public bus travel until January next year as it aims to evolve its public transport network.
NT infrastructure and logistics minister Bill Yan says extending free fares will allow the government to complete the procurement of a modern ticketing system while consulting with relevant stakeholders to ensure the community is prepared before affordable fares return.
“We want to get this right,” Yan says.
“Continuing free fares until January 2027 gives us the time to deliver a modern ticketing system, engage with the community and make sure the transition is simple for passengers.”
Yan says the government remains committed to maintaining affordable public transport while delivering a safer, more reliable network.
“The next stage of reform isn’t just about introducing ticketing. It’s about building a public transport system that is safer, smarter and works better for Territorians,” Yan says.
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“A modern ticketing system will provide valuable information about passenger travel patterns, helping the government better plan routes, improve services and respond to future demand across the network.
“It will also support the long-term sustainability of the bus network while complementing the significant safety improvements already delivered by the CLP government.”
Since coming to government, the CLP has introduced a range of reforms to improve safety for drivers and passengers, including installing protective driver screens, introducing direct radio communication for drivers, officers and police, installing driver duress alarms, expanding CCTV coverage, strengthening officer powers and closing the former Casuarina and Darwin bus interchanges.
These reforms are contributing to improved safety across the network, with reported incidents continuing to trend downward.
Yan says the government will continue working closely with drivers, passengers, industry and the community throughout the transition.
“When we came to government, we worked with the Transport Workers’ Union to protect drivers by installing security screens across the fleet, removing the need for drivers to carry cash and delivering the safety reforms Labor failed to implement,” Yan says.
“We’ve always said we would take the time to deliver the right long-term solution, not the quickest one.
“This next stage builds on the reforms we’ve already delivered and will ensure Territorians have a public transport system that is affordable, safer, supported by modern technology and built for the future.”
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