Regulatory Overview

The Passenger Transportation Act (PTA) sets out the regulatory framework for the operation of commercial passenger vehicles in British Columbia. Administration of the PTA is a joint responsibility of the PT Board and the Registrar, Passenger Transportation Branch, Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure.

Under the PTA, there are two types of Authorizations:

1. General Authorizations - sightseeing buses or airport shuttles; and
2. Special Authorizations:
   • passenger directed vehicle authorizations (i.e., taxis, limousines, shuttle buses);
   • inter-city bus authorizations; and
   • transportation network service authorizations (i.e., ride-hailing).

The PT Board is responsible for making decisions on applications for Special Authorizations and the Registrar is responsible for making decisions on applications for a General Authorization.

The PT Board approves and set terms and conditions for a Special Authorization if an application is approved. If the Registrar is satisfied that safety requirements are met, a licence will be issued.

The Registrar works with Commercial Vehicle and Safety Enforcement to plan and deliver enforcement and compliance activities for commercial passenger vehicles. The Registrar may impose administrative penalties on licensees who do not comply with the PTA, its regulations for their terms and conditions of licence. The PT Board decides appeals of administrative penalties imposed by the Registrar.