Free Broome Explorer Bus’ sudden stop leaves gap in service during peak tourist season

The Broome Explorer Bus has ceased operation, leaving locals and visitors alike without a key transport option during the busy tourist season.

The bus is one of the only regular services available in Broome but 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.

Confirming the shutdown, a Shire of Broome spokesperson said the Shire was looking for alternatives.

“The Shire of Broome has been advised that the privately owned town bus service has ceased operating as of today,” they said.

“We recognise the importance of this service to our community and are working with the Public Transport Authority to explore alternative solutions. At this stage, there is no confirmed timeframe for when services may resume.

“We will provide further updates as soon as more information becomes available.”