Rules for catching a public bus

There are rules for travelling on a public bus and for behaviour at bus interchanges.

If you don't follow the rules the driver, a transit officer or a security officer may ask you:

• not to board a bus or
• leave a bus.

You could also receive a warning or be banned from using the bus.

Advertising

You can't advertise or promote any function, event or affiliation at any bus interchange or bus stop without the permission of the Department of Logistics and Infrastructure.

This includes any of the following:

• posting any flyers or notices on any walls or other surfaces in or around:
  • buildings
  • bus stops
  • shelters
  • other like structures
• handing out of any such material
• approach another person for the purpose of advertising or promoting an event.

Paid advertising opportunities are now available on the exterior of Darwin public buses. For all advertising enquiries and feedback contact Go Transit by calling 1300 468 726.

Animals

Hearing, guide or assistance dogs are only allowed on buses. All other animals are prohibited.

Baggage

Baggage that cannot be conveniently carried, or that will interfere with the comfort of other passengers are prohibited.

Behaviour

People who are violent, disturbing the peace, likely to cause annoyance to other passengers or damage the bus will be refused travel.

You must behave calmly and politely.

You can find out more about respecting your driver on the Department of Logistics and Infrastructure website.

Bicycles

To travel on buses with a bike, you must be able to store your bike in:

• the luggage rack or
• on the floor in a place that:
  • is not obstructing aisles or exits
  • does not pose a danger or inconvenience to passengers.

Conventional bikes are not allowed on buses.

You can lock your bike in a secure enclosure at selected bus interchanges.

Busking

Busking is not allowed on buses or at any bus stop, shelter or interchange.

Conduct

The following is prohibited:

• the playing of musical instruments or music devices including mobile phones (unless using headphones)
• distributing handbills
• offering articles for sale.

Fireworks

You must be 18 years and over to legally possess, throw, ignite or explode fireworks.

If you are carrying fireworks on a public bus they must be in their original shop packaging.

You cannot carry commercial quantities or individual fireworks on buses.

You can only use fireworks on 1 July between 6pm and 11pm.

It is illegal to keep fireworks in your possession outside of the approved periods.

Unused fireworks must be handed in to NT Worksafe by 12 noon 2 July. You can find information about disposing of fireworks on the NT Worksafe website.

Food and drinks

Eating and drinking (except for water in a resealable container) is prohibited.

Transit officers have the power to search, seize or tip out alcohol on the bus network.

Hygiene

People with soiled clothing or items that may soil the bus or clothing of any passenger will not be allowed on the bus.

Noise

You must not make disruptive or excessive noise that might distract the driver.

This includes playing musical instruments or audio from devices such as mobile phones.

The use of headphones is permitted.

Prams

Children may be left in strollers and prams on public buses.

If there is no appropriate space, the driver may ask that the children be carried and the stroller or pram stowed.

Smoking

Smoking, including the use of electronic cigarettes, is not allowed on buses and at bus stops and interchanges.

Read about smoke-free public transport areas.

Seating

If asked by the driver, seated passengers must give up their seat for a passenger with special needs, like a:

• senior citizen,
• disabled or mobility impaired person,
• pregnant woman
• parent with a small child.

Standing on buses

Passengers are allowed to stand on all public bus routes and on school bus routes where the bus is not fitted with seat belts.

You must not stand on:

• seats
• bus steps
• parts of the bus that aren't for passenger use.

Stopping at bus stops

Bus drivers must stop at all bus stops where they can see a potential passenger at or near the bus stop.

Passengers who are approaching a bus stop should hail or signal to the driver their intention to board.

The driver must stop providing that the bus is able to stop safely and the person is sufficiently close to the bus stop that their boarding will not cause unnecessary delay.

Read the policy for more information.

Stopping at bus stops policy PDF (152.4 KB)
Stopping at bus stops policy DOCX (178.4 KB)

Subsidised concession fares

Eligible passengers should ensure they have a valid identification card before they board the bus.

Find out if you get a concession.

Tickets

If you are buying a paper ticket on the bus, you should ensure you have close to the correct fare.

Drivers do not always have the ability to change large notes. Read more about bus tickets and fares.

Travel cards

Tap and Ride cards are not redeemable for cash at any time.

They are only valid for travel when presented on Darwin and Alice Springs bus services.