The Northern Territory’s free public bus trial is to be extended until 30 June next year.
Announcing the initiative, the new Country Liberal Party government said the decision follows “ongoing technical issues” surrounding the installation of new ticketing machines.
“Despite the Department of Infrastructure’s efforts to replace ticketing machines in October 2022, ongoing technical issues continue to disrupt fare collection and passenger data on up to 25% of bus services,” said minister for logistics and infrastructure Bill Yan.
Yan blamed the former Labor government for failing to “properly implement a modern, efficient public transport system”.
As a result, free bus travel will continue across the Darwin, Casuarina, Palmerston, and Alice Springs networks until the end of the financial year.
“This measure will ease the pressure on drivers and security staff who have reported a dramatic reduction in anti-social behaviour during periods of free travel, highlighting the effectiveness of removing fare-related confrontations,” Yan said.
In the meantime, the government is exploring an overhaul of the entire bus fare structure. NT’s public bus network services around 3.5 million passengers annually.
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