The Western Australian Government has stepped in to secure the future of Broome's town bus service, committing funding for the next four years after the privately owned Broome Explorer Bus Service ceased operations in August due to financial viability issues.
Background of the Service
When the Broome Explorer Bus Service stopped running, the WA Government intervened, using taxpayers' money to provide a temporary town bus service. TransBroome services were expanded to incorporate the former Broome Explorer route, connecting Cable Beach, Chinatown, and Town Beach.
This service is vital not only for local residents but also for visitors to Broome who have not rented a car. The town is described as being "split into halves" and is quite spread out, making public transport essential for mobility.
Usage and Expansion
Recent data reveals consistent usage of the service, with an average of up to 24 passengers per trip during peak times. Encouraged by this demand, the State Government has now locked in funding for the next four years, along with several enhancements:
- The service will be expanded to include Broome Airport, additional areas of Cable Beach, Roebuck Estate, and Broome North.
- Services will be increased during the peak tourist season to accommodate higher demand.
- New ticketing systems will be introduced, allowing passengers to use SmartRider cards and bank card payments for convenience.
For the full timetable and route information, passengers can visit transregional.wa.gov.au/broome.
This long-term commitment ensures that both residents and tourists in Broome will have reliable and expanded public transport options for years to come.
