The Casuarina and Darwin bus interchanges will be permanently closed on October 27, the government has ordered, as part of its measures to enhance safety across the bus network, with passengers being told to familiarise themselves with the new bus stops around Casuarina.

Beginning on October 27, commuters in Casuarina will have to utilise bus services from bus stops located on nearby Scaturchio Street and Trower Road, as well as a smaller stop where the interchange was.

Meanwhile, the Darwin bus interchange will remain operational as a bus stop and layover area for drivers; however, the existing building, including the restrooms, will be closed.

School bus services that previously departed from the Casuarina bus interchange will now depart from the Trower Road bus stop. Students are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the new departure locations for these services, the government said.

Infrastructure Minister Bill Yan said the choice to close the interchanges was based on community feedback and that planning is ongoing for the Palmerston bus Interchange to ensure that connections to Darwin, Casuarina, Palmerston suburbs, rural regions and school bus services remain intact.

“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 in a statement.

The closure of the interchanges follows a three-day high-visibility operation targeting antisocial behaviour, Mr Yan said.

“Removing interchanges is another important step towards a safer bus network and private security officers and Transit Officers will continue to have a presence across the bus network at required locations,” he said.

“This includes security officers stationed at the Bradshaw Terrace, Trower Road, and Scaturchio Street bus stops that are wheelchair accessible, and the secure bicycle enclosure that will remain on Bradshaw Terrace.”

He added that by reducing wait times, improving bus network efficiency, and installing CCTV in critical areas, the overall experience will be both safer and more streamlined.

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

More information on the bus stop changes is available here.