September 22, 2021
Board Concludes Investigation on Effects of COVID-19 Pandemic
The Board recognizes the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on British Columbia's economy, and the resulting challenges facing the province's passenger transportation industry. As a result, the Board retained Hara Associates to conduct an investigation. The investigation has concluded and the Investigator's Report is available. All relevant applicants have been notified and invited to provide submissions on the contents of the Investigator's Report before the Board renders any final decisions on their applications. See the Industry Advisory of September 22, 2021. More information can be found in the Media Release and Q&As.
Decisions on Ride Hailing Applications
The most recent Board decisions on ride-hailing applications are posted in the PT Board Bulletin and summarized on the TNS Decisions webpage. More information about ride-hailing in BC is posted on the Board's Ride Hailing webpage.
Introduction to the Passenger Transportation Board
The Passenger
Transportation Board (“Board”) is an independent tribunal in British Columbia established under
the Passenger Transportation Act.
The Board consists of 6 part-time members, including the chair, and 6 full time staff. The Board’s primary responsibility is to make decisions on applications relating to passenger directed vehicle authorizations (e.g. taxis, limousines, shuttle vans) ; inter-city bus authorizations; and transportation network service authorizations in British Columbia. The Board receives between 200 and 250 applications in a year.
When an application file is ready for Board review, the Chair assigns the file to a panel of the Board. The panel of one or more members reviews the file and makes a decision on the application. Most decisions are made based on the written material in the file. Less than 5% of applications are set down for a public hearing.
The Board also hears appeals regarding administrative penalties (including fines and licence suspensions) that are imposed on an operator by the Registrar of Passenger Transportation. The Board receives few appeals throughout a year.
The Board meets every 6-8 weeks. Meetings focus on policy development and procedural matters. File decisions are not made at Board meetings.
The Board was formed on June 28, 2004. The Board office is located in Victoria.
Link for the Registrar of Passenger Transportation
The Board and the Registrar, Passenger Transportation Branch, both have distinct responsibilities for the implementation of the Passenger Transportation Act. Contact the Registrar or staff at the Passenger Transportation Branch for information and services related to:
- Submitting an application for a passenger transportation licence (Special Authorization and/or General Authorization)
- Compliance and enforcement in the commercial passenger transportation industry