Transit Systems expands Northern Territory Bus Service

Wednesday 22 February 2023

Australia’s largest multi-modal transport operator, Transit Systems, has expanded its operations in the top end, with the recent acquisition of Northern Territory bus service, Grand Touring Operations.

Now joining Transit Systems’ fleet of 3000+ buses, which provided approximately 113 million customer journeys in 2022, Grand Touring Operations will continue its role in servicing the tourism and commercial industries throughout the Territory.

Established in 2002, Grand Touring features 28 buses and five trailers, and has provided coach and charter services, including all arrival and departure transport in Darwin for passengers and crew off the Ghan, as well as tours across the top end and Kimberley region.

This expansion follows three recent acquisitions for Transit Systems in the last three months including the company’s first Queensland bus service, North Stradbroke Island Buses and Horizons West Bus and Coachlines and Denmark School Services, both in WA, Transit Systems Chief Executive Officer Michael McGee said these latest acquisitions sees Transit Systems expand expertise beyond urban public transport contracts into education, resources and tourism.

“The Darwin-based operation will play a pivotal role in supporting Kelsian Group’s Marine and Tourism Division, SeaLink NT, by offering invaluable land transport solutions for tourism packages and experiences. The Darwin-based business will also allow for additional expansion into the resources and education sector by leveraging local operational assets. ” Mr McGee said.

Transit Systems and SeaLink Marine & Tourism are both part of Kelsian Group, operating locally as Territory Transit and SeaLink NT respectively. SeaLink NT operates ferry services from Cullen Bay, Darwin to Mandorah and the Tiwi Islands, as well as sightseeing cruises and tours in the region.

Chris Millard, General Manager NT and Regional Services, Transit Systems, said this is another step forward in our strategy to build our bus transport portfolio in Northern Territory which already transports nearly 850 students over 850km every day across the Katherine region.

“We are immensely proud that Transit Systems will now be servicing not only school students in the Northern Territory but also customers who are visiting our region as tourists. We will be working closely with SeaLink NT in creating packages that will amplify their top end experiences.

“We will also continue to work on building our operations, as well as engaging local communities and promoting local employment opportunities.”