NT government cuts funding for remote Aboriginal bus service
NT government cuts funding for Centre Bush Bus, remote communities' only regular transport from Alice Springs.
The NT government has cut funding for Centre Bush Bus. For three decades, this service has transported remote Indigenous communities to Alice Springs.
The service is reducing five key routes from two trips a week to one. Without new funding, complete cancellation looms.
Remote communities rely on this service for medical supplies, healthcare access, and travel to and from country. Sarah Brown leads Purple House, a dialysis service for remote areas.
She said it would be an absolute catastrophe if the government abandons the bus. Service owner Tahnee Passmore-Barns says they are now operating at a loss.
The government says the service costs too much compared to other regional transport. But local leaders and health providers warn of a problem.
Aboriginal people will be left stranded in Alice Springs in overcrowded housing.
- 30 years
- Service duration
- From 2 trips per week to 1
- Service reduction
- Kintore is 10.5 hours from Alice Springs
- Key route distance
Why it mattersRemote Aboriginal people face being trapped in Alice Springs. Without their only regular transport, they cannot reach home, family, or country.
AustraliaRemote Aboriginal communities in Central Australia lose their lifeline to Alice Springs and medical services in the Territory.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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