Territorians to get free buses for Darwin NYE celebrations

Free buses are expected to mitigate the risk of driving incidents during this weekend’s NYE celebrations. Read which locations will get the free ride.

Stumbling home won’t be necessary this weekend, as free buses will be operating across Darwin and Palmerston on New Year’s Eve.

The Northern Territory Government confirmed free bus rides for party goers would be provided from Darwin, Casuarina and Palmerston from 7pm on Sunday, December 31, 2023 and finish 6.30am on Monday, January 1, 2024.

Additionally, a free shuttle bus will also be available between the Darwin Convention Centre and Darwin interchange every 15 minutes from 6pm on December 31 through to 1am January 1.

The initiative follows NT Police’s announcement that more RBTs would operate across major roads in Darwin this festive season to ensure road safety.

Sergeant Chris Thurgood from the NT Police Traffic Operations Unit said there would be “consequences” for those doing the “wrong thing”.

“Don’t be selfish on the roads, take care, look after each other,” he said.

“If you do the wrong thing, we’ll be there and will catch you and you will face the consequences.”

In 2023, the Territory recorded a significant drop in road deaths.

Should the NT’s road fatalities remain unchanged, it will mark the Territory’s lowest fatality toll in a decade.