The Western Australian Government has moved to secure public transport services in Broome, a critical piece of infrastructure for the region’s tourism economy. Following the sudden cessation of the privately-run Broome Explorer Bus, the state will introduce a temporary, government-operated service to ensure visitors and residents remain connected to key tourism precincts, accommodation, and local businesses.
The intervention is a significant development for agritourism operators and other tourism-dependent businesses in the Kimberley, as reliable intra-destination transport is fundamental to the visitor experience and overall accessibility of the region.
Continuity of Service for a Key Tourism Hub
The Broome Explorer Bus was a vital link, connecting Cable Beach, Chinatown, and Town Beach. Its closure left a significant gap in the town’s infrastructure. In response, a temporary service branded ‘TransBroome’ will commence operations on Monday, 18 August 2025. According to the government’s statement, the service will utilise existing school buses and operate hourly outside of school pick-up and drop-off times, following the former Broome Explorer Bus route and using its existing stops.
This swift action ensures that tourists, who may not have private transport, can continue to access the attractions and services that underpin Broome’s appeal. For pastoral stations and agricultural properties in the surrounding area that offer tourism experiences, the continued vibrancy and accessibility of the Broome hub is essential for attracting and retaining visitors in the region.
Long-Term Viability Under Review
The TransBroome service is scheduled to run until the end of 2025. During this period, the Public Transport Authority will conduct a comprehensive review of public transport needs in Broome to determine a sustainable, long-term solution. This review period will be critical for the local tourism industry to provide input on service frequency, routes, and operational models that best support the visitor economy.
Deputy Premier and Transport Minister Rita Saffioti acknowledged the importance of the service for the visitor economy.
“This temporary service will ensure that Broome residents remain connected to employment and key services, and visitors can still access key destinations and businesses,” she said. Fares for the new service will be aligned with the standard Transperth schedule.
Implications for Regional Infrastructure Planning
This government intervention highlights the vulnerability of essential services in regional tourism towns when reliant on single private operators. It underscores the broader challenge for regional Western Australia in maintaining a baseline of infrastructure that supports both community needs and economic development through tourism. The outcome of the Public Transport Authority’s review will be closely watched by other regional centres where public transport plays a similarly crucial role in the tourism ecosystem.
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