Registration of Passenger Services
All aspects of passenger services licensing, notification and registration are covered under the Public Transport Management Act 2008.
A passenger service licence is required before a service can operate. Under the Act, anyone who can satisfy the Secretary for Transport that are “fit and proper” persons will be eligible for a licence to operate a passenger service.
Who Needs to Register?
The Public Transport Management Act 2008 requires every person who proposes to operate a passenger service to notify the appropriate Regional Council no later than 21 days before the service is to commence. This includes taxi services, and services using small vehicles, as well as large buses. Any long distance service provider that picks up or sets down passengers within a region is required to register in that region.
Registration is not required where the service:
- Does not pick up or set down passengers within the region;
- Is not available to the public generally; or,
- Is a charter of a large passenger service vehicle.
For More Information
If you have any further questions or would like more information on registering your passenger service download the Registration of Services Information Sheet (PDF, 52KB) or contact:
The Regional Planner
West Coast Regional Council
P O Box 66
Greymouth
Telephone: 03 768 0466
Freephone: 0508 800 118
Facsimile: 03 768 7133
Email: info@wcrc.govt.nz
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need to register?
The law requires all operators to register their passenger transport services with the appropriate regional council.
Who do I have to register with?
The Public Transport Management Act 2008 determines that the West Coast Regional Council is responsible for registration of notified passenger services. Operators must register with the regional council that is responsible for the area that the service operates within. If the service crosses the boundaries between regional council’s then all need to be notified.
What if I don’t register?
It is an offence carrying a maximum fine of $30,000 under section 57 of the Public Transport Management Act 2008 for any passenger service licence holder to operate a service that has not been registered. Registered services must be operated unless there is “reasonable excuse”. Failure to comply can also lead to a maximum fine of $30,000.
What about any changes I make in the future?
An operator must give the West Coast Regional Council at least 21 days notice of their intention to abandon or vary a registered service. The Regional Council may reduce or waive the notice period where it is satisfied that the public would not be unreasonably disadvantaged as a result. As with a new service, the West Coast Regional Council has 21 days within which to either change, withdraw or decline the registration.
How do I register?
Intending operators of commercial passenger transport services in the West Coast region are required to complete the appropriate registration forms. Please select from the download lists below.
1. Scheduled Services
Application to register a scheduled passenger service (PDF, 55KB)
Application to vary a scheduled service registration (PDF, 47KB)
Application to withdraw a scheduled service registration (PDF, 43KB)
Details of a company intending to provide scheduled passenger services (PDF, 46KB)
2. Non-scheduled Service
Application to register a non-scheduled passenger service (PDF, 55KB)
Application to vary a non-scheduled registration (PDF, 41KB)
Application to withdraw a non-scheduled passenger service (PDF, 39KB)
3. Taxi Service
Application by an approved taxi org to register a non-scheduled taxi service (operating within the region) (PDF, 45KB)
Application by an approved taxi organisation based outside the region to register a non-scheduled taxi service (PDF, 40KB)
All operators must use these forms when registering their passenger transport service. Completed forms should be returned with a copy of their Passenger Service Licence, to the West Coast Regional Council at the address below at least 21 days before the service is due to commence.
There is no cost involved with registering a passenger transport service.
For More Information:
If you have any further queries or would like more information on registering your passenger service, please contact:
The Regional Planner
West Coast Regional Council
P O Box 66
Greymouth
Telephone: 03 768 0466
Freephone: 0508 800 118
Facsimile: 03 768 7133
Email: info@wcrc.govt.nz