Registrar, Passenger Transportation Branch

What’s New

• The Registrar has implemented a new policy requiring all general authorization licence applicants to complete the Vehicle Safety Compliance Declaration. The new requirement will improve the application process for applicants, by ensuring them access to important information about vehicle safety requirements before they make decisions on the purchase, lease or short-term rental of vehicle(s) for commercial passenger use. On occasion, at the discretion of the Registrar, special authorization applicants and existing licensees may also be required to complete the Vehicle Safety Compliance Declaration. See the Advisory page. (Posted June 15, 2011)
• The Passenger Transportation Branch web pages have been updated to include the information sheet on Provincial and Federal Commercial Vehicle Safety Requirements and Federal Requirements for Imported Vehicles. See the Advisory page. (Posted June 15, 2011)
• The Passenger Transportation Branch web pages have been updated to include the Information Sheet: Do I need a General Authorization or a Special Authorization Licence? See the Advisory page. (Posted June 15, 2011)
• Passenger Transportation Branch Advisory Update: Interested in Purchasing or Leasing a Party Bus or Specialty Vehicle? See the Advisory page. (Reposted May 20, 2011)
• The Rides Home web page provides options to establishments serving alcoholic beverages for getting their patrons home safely. (Posted November 2, 2010).
• The Registrar’s Carrier Fitness Assessments Overview is now posted. (Posted September 27, 2010) See the Advisory page.
• Amendments to the Passenger Transportation Act: Fitness (Posted June 09, 2010) See the Advisory page.
• The Passenger Transportation Branch web pages have been updated to include information on the After Hours Permit Authorization (posted February 12, 2009). See the Advisory page.
• Passenger Transportation Branch Advisory Update: Additional Information on Legislative Changes effective July 1, 2008 (Posted May 28, 2008) See the Advisory page.
• Passenger Transportation Branch Advisory Update: Party Bus Advisory (Posted April 15, 2008). See the Advisory page.
• The Passenger Transportation Branch web pages have been updated to include information on Temporary Operating Permits.
• Passenger Transportation Branch Advisory Update: Stretch Sport Utility Vehicle - Type Limousines (Updated March 16, 2007). See the Advisory page.
• The Passenger Transportation Online Licence Application. For people looking to apply for a new Passenger Transportation licence.
• The Passenger Transportation Online Licence Tutorial. To assist with completing the Licence Application Process.
• General Authorization Licensees (Updated Monthly)
• General Authorization Application Decisions (Updated Weekly)

About us

Welcome to the website of the Registrar of Passenger Transportation (Registrar). This site provides information about the licensing requirements for those currently involved in, or wanting to obtain authority for, operating commercial ground passenger transportation services, as required by the Passenger Transportation Act (Act) and the Passenger Transportation Regulation.

This website provides detailed information, including associated application forms and approval processes, for the two types of licences established by the Act:

Special Authorization licences, approved by the Passenger Transportation Board (Board), are required for the following types of commercial passenger vehicles:

• Inter-city buses, such as those providing scheduled services (set time, individual fares, regular route and fixed terminal points)
• Passenger directed vehicles, such as taxis, limousines or other types of vehicles with a carrying capacity of 11 passengers or less, excluding the driver

General Authorization licences, approved by the Registrar of Passenger Transportation, are required for the following types of commercial passenger vehicles:

• General Passenger Vehicles– such as limousines and charter buses designed to carry 12 passengers or more, excluding the driver.
• vehicles excluded from the definition of an Inter-City Bus
• Vehicles excluded from the definition of a Passenger Directed Vehicle

Note: For a detailed description of the types of commercial passenger vehicles and exclusions refer to the “Vehicle Types” section of the Web Tutorial.

In the Passenger Transportation Branch's Burnaby office, the Registrar accepts all applications (including those which require Board approval), verifies safety requirements for vehicles proposed for licensing, and issues all licences. The Registrar is also responsible for initiating compliance and enforcement actions against both licensed and unlicensed operators.

This internet site also provides a registry of General Authorization (GA) licensees, as well as a list of GA applicants whose applications have been identified by the Registrar as appearing to have satisfied the criteria for a GA licence, but for which the respective licence hasn't yet been issued. In addition, the site provides a link to the website of the Passenger Transportation Board, which includes a list of Special Authorization (SA) approvals.