State Government steps in to provide public transport service in Broome after local company shuts down

The State Government has stepped in to provide a public bus service in Broome after the Broome Explorer Bus service stop operating suddenly earlier this week.

The Broome Explorer bus was the only regular bus service allowing locals and tourists to get around the iconic tourist destination.

Starting Monday, August 18, temporary services will commence on the Broome Explorer Bus route, utilising three low-floor ex-Transperth buses which currently operate school bus routes within Broome.

The TransBroome-branded service will operate hourly between outside of school pick-up and drop-off times while fares will be the same as Transperth, with payment possible via existing cash or EFTPOS systems.

The service will run until the end of the year while the Public Transport Authority undertakes a broader review of public transport services in Broome.

Deputy Premier and Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said a bus service in Broome was vital for locals and tourists alike.

“The Broome Explorer Bus played an important role in providing public transport to the people of Broome and tourists alike, so it’s regrettable that it’s ceased operating,” she said.

“This temporary service will ensure that Broome residents remain connected to employment and key services, and visitors can still access key destinations and businesses.”

Kimberley MLA Divina D’Anna encouraged the community to make the most of the new service.

“I’m pleased that the State Government has been able to step in and provide a temporary public transport service for the Broome community,” she said.

“The service will be a convenient way to get around and won’t impact the school bus routes currently provided by TransBroome.”

Speaking to the Advertiser on August 14, Broome Explorer Bus owner Cody McColl said the loss of a key school contract soon after purchasing the business had an immediate and severe impact on its viability.

“Straight off the bat, we lost 350 grand a year from our funding,” he said. “Without that money, we ran at a loss for seven months trying to keep the business going.”

Mr McColl said they have been unable to secure finance over the past 12 months and the business was now “homeless”.

“We’ve literally sold property from our own house to get the buses going and keep the community moving,” he said.

“All we cop is driver assaults and vehicles smashed up. Now, without that contract, we’re basically homeless in business terms.”

On August 14, one of the company’s busses was parked on Cable Beach Road East, near the Broome Recreation and Aquatic Centre and had an impound notice taped to its window.