Toilets shut, alternative bus stops confirmed ahead of Darwin interchange closures on October 27

The NT government has revealed more details for commuters ahead of major bus interchanges in Darwin being removed – confirming current toilet facilities will be shut.

Northern Territory Logistics and Infrastructure Minister Bill Yan. The CLP has announced it will remove all bus interchanges in Darwin and Palmerston due to safety concerns. Picture: Fia Walsh.

Toilet facilities and an existing building will be closed later this month as the Northern Territory government moves ahead with plans to remove bus interchanges in the Top End.

From Monday October 27, Casuarina commuters will continue to access bus services from existing bus stops distributed on surrounding streets.

School bus services currently departing from the Casuarina bus interchange will now depart from the Trower Road bus stop.

The Darwin CBD 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.

Infrastructure Minister Bill Yan said the decision to close the interchanges was supported with feedback from the community and would help create a safer network.

“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.

“With shorter wait times, more efficient bus networks, and CCTV at key locations, the overall experience will be safer and more efficient.”

Transit officers will continue to have a presence across the bus network, with officers stationed at the wheelchair accessible bus stops at Bradshaw Terrace, Trower Road and Scaturchio Street.

The secure bicycle enclosure on Bradshaw Terrace will also remain.

The Casuarina Bus Interchange will close on October 27. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Last week the government ran a three day operation on buses, flooding the network with Transit Officers, Wilson Security, NT Police, Family and Youth Support officers and Student Engagement Officers.

Mr Yan said the high-visibility operation targeting anti-social behaviour was a success, showing “a marked drop in issues across the bus network”.

He encouraged commuters use the NT Bus Tracker App to help plan their journeys, including walking and cycling times to their destination.

The CLP government is implementing a raft of changes to Top End public transport as part of its Bus Safety Reform Strategy.

Alongside axing the interchanges, it includes expanded CCTV at known hotspots, installing safety screens for every driver, enhancing on-board duress alarms and direct radio links to transit officers, and removing cash from buses.

For updated information about the closures head to nt.gov.au/driving/public-transport-cycling/public-buses/alerts-and-route-changes.