Fit, proper and capable operators

Fit, proper and capable operators

When taxi, ride-hail, limo and shuttle and inter-city bus operators apply for a passenger transportation licence, they show the Passenger Transportation Board that they are fit, proper and capable of providing passenger transportation services.  

The Board considers applicant fitness when it makes a decision on a licence:  

  • Applications for Special Authorization passenger transportation licences
  • Licence amendments
  • Licence transfers

The Board may also consider fitness in other cases, for example, applications for temporary operating permits.

The Board may conduct a fitness review of a licensee at any time to make sure that it continues to be fit, proper and capable.

Fit and proper

The term "fit and proper" means that a licensee has a responsibility to exercise the powers granted with a passenger transportation licence. Fit and proper people:  

  • Conduct themselves and their business lawfully
  • Uphold the integrity of the passenger transportation industry
  • Promote public confidence in the passenger transportation industry
  • Abide by certain standards of conduct

Capability

Capability shows the applicant has the ability or qualities necessary to meet its licensee obligations skillfully and effectively.

The Board considers whether the applicant has shown they have the knowledge and understanding of passenger transportation regulatory requirements and policies and are able to follow those rules.

The Board also considers whether the applicant has the background, skills and knowledge to manage the proposed service and the financing to operate it. This may include consideration of the operating costs, resources, and the business knowledge and experience demonstrated by the applicant’s business plan and financial statements.  

The Board expects an applicant to show competence by including sound, consistent and reasonable (i.e. realistic) business plans and financial information with the application for the service it's proposing.

How the Board decides operator fitness