Applications - New Licences
Passenger Transportation Online Licence Application Introduction

What is the process to apply for a Passenger Transportation Licence Online?

The online application consists of a sequence of screens to be completed individually, in order of appearance. The number of screens depends on the information entered on the first two screens. Each screen will request specific information required to complete the application process.

The amount of time it will take to complete an online application depends on the level of complexity of your application and the availability of the requested information. The online application has the ability to allow you to save your work and return to the application at a later date if the procedure is taking more time than you have available.

The online application process includes a series of licence determination questions to assist you in determining what type of Passenger Transportation Licence you will require based on the transportation service(s) you are proposing.

Your saved application will be available for online modification for 60 days or until you have successfully completed the application submission process. Once submitted, you will be unable to return to that saved application.

What are the technical requirements to apply for a Passenger Transportation Licence Online?

To apply for a Passenger Transportation Licence online you will need:

• An E-mail address
• Access to a computer that is connected to the internet
• Basic computer knowledge

What do I need before I apply for a Passenger Transportation Licence?

All applicants must obtain a safety certificate in the legal name of the applicant, with a satisfactory rating, issued by a jurisdiction in North America before making application for a Passenger Transportation Licence. Safety certificates are known by different names, depending on the province, territory or state that issues them; for example, in British Columbia the safety certificate is known as the National Safety Code (NSC) certificate.

General Authorization Application Requirements

In addition to a safety certificate in the legal name of the applicant, the following information will be required when applying for a General Authorization Passenger Transportation Licence:

• Completed PT5002: Signing Authority (provided during the online application process) including specimen signatures for everyone authorized by the applicant to correspond with the Passenger Transportation Branch and/or Passenger Transportation Board regarding passenger transportation matters.
• The number of motor vehicles you will be using under the General Authorization Licence.
• The mailing address for the business including the physical location of business records and equipment storage.
• A passenger service proposal statement describing the transportation service(s) being proposed which answers the following questions:
  • What is the nature of the business?
  • How will the vehicle(s) be used? (e.g. sightseeing bus)
  • What size of vehicle(s) will be used? (How many persons is/are the vehicle(s) designed to carry?)
  • What type of compensation will you receive? (e.g. charter, individual fares, flat rates, point to point)
  • Will the compensation be charged directly to passengers or is the charge built into the package.
• A description of the Service Area for the proposed transportation service.
• An Agent Letter of Authorization – If an agent has been hired to prepare the application, the Passenger Transportation Branch requires a signed letter by the applicant that authorizes the agent to act on behalf of said applicant.
• Payment of the $200 Application Filing Fee. Note: The application filing fee is non-refundable once an application has been accepted by the Passenger Transportation Branch.

Special Authorization Application Requirements

In addition to a safety certificate in the legal name of the applicant, the following information will be required when applying for a Special Authorization Passenger Transportation Licence:

• Completed PT5002: Signing Authority (provided during the online application process) including specimen signatures for everyone authorized by the applicant to correspond with the Passenger Transportation Branch and/or Passenger Transportation Board regarding passenger transportation matters.
• The number of motor vehicles you will be using under the Inter-City Bus (ICB) Special Authorization Licence and/or the Passenger Directed Vehicle (PDV) Special Authorization Licence.
• The mailing address for the business including the physical location of business records and equipment storage.
• If you are requesting an ICB Special Authorization Licence, you will be prompted for the Inter-City Bus service route(s) you intend to operate. This route list should include:
  • the route number
  • the terminating points
  • proposed minimum service frequency, for each route point (in each direction)
  • whether the route is a seasonal or year-round service
  • any other requested terms and conditions.
• If you are requesting a PDV Special Authorization Licence, you will be prompted to detail the type(s) and number of passenger directed vehicles that you are proposing to operate (i.e. taxicab, limousine, shuttle) including the seating capacity for all vehicle(s).
• If you are requesting a PDV Special Authorization Licence, you will be prompted for a service proposal which should detail:
  • the operating area
  • express authorization requests
  • other requested terms and conditions
• You will need to demonstrate that a public need exists for the proposed Passenger Transportation Service. Refer to section 3.3 and Appendix G of the Passenger Transportation Board Application Handbook for additional information on this requirement.
• A Business Plan (including Financial Statements) reflecting the nature of the service proposed in the application and the level of comparable competition in the proposed service area. Refer to section 4.2 and 4.3 of the Passenger Transportation Board Application Handbook for additional information on this requirement.
• Disclosure of any ownership interest in a different company or organization that provides passenger transportation by motor vehicle. Refer to section 4.9 of the Passenger Transportation Board Application Handbook for additional information on this requirement.
• If you are requesting a PDV Special Authorization Licence, you must declare the rates you are proposing to charge (including any contract rates) along with the rules that govern how rates are to be applied. Refer to section 3.7, 4.5 and Appendix C5 of the Passenger Transportation Board Application Handbook for additional information on this requirement.
• An Agent Letter of Authorization – If an agent has been hired to prepare the application, the Passenger Transportation Branch requires a signed letter by the applicant that authorizes the agent to act on behalf of said applicant.
• Payment of the $200 Application Filing Fee. Note: The application filing fee is non-refundable once an application has been accepted by the Passenger Transportation Branch.

Additional Information for Special Authorization Licence Applications

Several additional sources of important information are available to assist with the Special Authorization application process. You are encouraged to review this information while completing your application. All the information is available online: