travelling on public transport with infants - nt
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buses


Travelling by bus with a pram is probably the biggest public transport challenge. Most buses have two or three quite steep steps to climb and a door-way that is usually too narrow for a pram. You will probably need to collapse your pram to carry it on board and unless you've got a spare pair of hands, that can be quite tricky whilst you're holding your baby and everything else. Even if you are lucky enough to travel on a low floor bus without steps and with a wider door, you will probably be asked to take your child out of the pram once on board - this is at the discretion of the driver. If you do leave your child in the pram, remember to put the brakes on.

Get the driver, or another passenger, to help you both on and off the bus. Once onboard, baby gets a great view of the world and usually a fair amount of attention from the other passengers!

For route and timetable information, try the numbers and weblinks below:

ASBUS provides services for Alice Springs

  • Buslink enquiries  ph: (08) 8952 5611
  • ASBUS timetables online

Darwinbus provides services for Darwin

  • Enquiries  ph: (08) 8924 7666
  • Urban timetables and maps online

Other Northern Territory Bus Services

  • Greyhound Pioneer Australia (Intra/Interstate) website


trains


Travelling by train with a pram can be relatively straightforward - ramps are usually available to access the platforms and train doors are usually wide enough to get a pram through without collapsing it. Be aware, however, that platform heights vary and there is often a substantial step up to the train from the platform. Not all stations have ramps to all platforms, with the only access to some platforms being by stairs.

If you decide to leave your child in the pram during the journey, remember to put the brakes on and keep one hand on the pram at all times.

The NT rail network is primarily a freight system although is does incorporate one of Australias premier train journeys - "The Ghan".

  • Enquiries   ph: 13 21 47
  • The Ghan website


ferries


Most ferries have just a ramp on and off and gates that are wide enough to wheel a pram onboard. If you do encounter any steps, ferry staff will be able to assist. If you decide to leave your child in the pram during the journey, remember to put the brakes and keep one hand on the pram at all times.

There is a daily passenger ferry between Darwin and Mandorah

  • Enquiries   ph: (08) 8941 1991
  • Timetable online


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