Limousine and shuttle
Limousine, shuttle, and other Passenger Directed Vehicles (PDV) operators must have a passenger transportation licence, with special authorization, to operate a limo, shuttle, or other PDV service.
Start a limousine, shuttle, or other passenger directed vehicle (PDV) service
Passenger transportation operators applying for a new licence must show the Board that they are:
- a fit and proper person to provide the proposed service; and
- capable of providing the service
Operators must demonstrate that:
- there is a public need for that proposed service; and
- that the application, if granted, promotes sound economic conditions in the passenger transportation industry in British Columbia.
Make sure you understand the application process. It explains how the Board uses the evidence you provide in your application to make a decision.
Checklist
New limo, shuttle and other PDV licence
Before you apply
- Understand commercial vehicle and safety information about commercial passenger transportation vehicles
- Obtain a National Safety Code certificate (NSC)
Forms
- Special Authorization licence application (Registrar form)
- Signing Authority (Registrar form)
- Vehicle proposal (352 KB)
- Proposed Terms and Conditions of Licence(257 KB)
- Public Explanation of Applications(300 KB)
- Disclosure of unlawful activity & bankruptcy(655 KB)
- Declarations & consent(573 KB)
Attachments
- Business plan
- Financial information
- All Applicants: Cash flow projections (36 months) and income statements
- Established Companies: Balance sheet
- Sole Proprietors or Partnerships: Personal net worth statements
- Resumés, criminal record checks and business registration documents
- Public need indicators
- Proposed rates
Final step
- Submit your completed application package to the Registrar’s Office at CPV@gov.bc.ca.
Change a limousine, shuttle, or other passenger directed vehicle licence
Passenger transportation operators applying for a new licence must show the Board that they are:
- a fit and proper person to provide the proposed service; and
- capable of providing the service
Operators must demonstrate that:
- there is a public need for that proposed service; and
- that the application, if granted, promotes sound economic conditions in the passenger transportation industry in British Columbia.
Make sure you understand the application process. It explains how the Board uses the evidence you provide in your application to make a decision.
Transfer a licence
Taxi, ride-hail, inter-city bus, limo, shuttle and other passenger directed vehicle operators (transferors) can apply to transfer their passenger transportation licence to another business entity.
Amend a limousine, shuttle or other PDV licence
Limousine, shuttle and other passenger-directed vehicle operators must apply to the Board to amend or change their terms and conditions of licence. They cannot apply to amend terms and conditions labelled “legislative requirements”.
Change rates or rules
Taxi, limousine, shuttle and other passenger directed vehicle operators must apply to the Board to change rates or rules about rates.
Operating a limousine, shuttle, or other passenger directed vehicle service
Safety monitors
There are specific safety requirements for vehicles that provide perimeter seating for 12 or more passengers. These vehicles are called perimeter seating buses (e.g., limos, party buses and stretch SUVs). Safety monitors must be present on a perimeter seating buses if there are unaccompanied minors onboard.
Limousine and other passenger directed vehicle rates
Limousine and other passenger directed vehicle operators may only charge rates approved in writing by the Board. This ensures passengers are charged reasonable and predictable prices for transportation services.
Booking apps
Passengers can book taxis and limousines, and other passenger directed vehicles using a booking app on their smartphone. Smartphone applications (apps) connect customers to transportation services while also making booking and dispatch an easy and efficient process for operators.
Data requirements
Passenger directed vehicle and ride-hail (TNS) licensees must adhere to the terms and conditions in their licence regarding data requirements and submit trip data to the Registrar of Passenger Transportation.
Temporary Operating Permit (TOP)
Taxi, limo, shuttle and other passenger directed vehicle operators can apply to the Board for a regular Temporary Operating Permit (TOP) based on urgent and temporary need.
A regular TOP allows you to increase the number of vehicles in your fleet for up to 92 days. You have four options when you apply:
- 1 to 14 days TOP
- 15 to 30 days TOP
- 31 to 60 days TOP
- 61 to 92 days TOP
An extra option for limousine and other PDV operators is a Peak Season TOP. You may experience extra public demand at various times of the year because you offer discretionary services. A Peak Season TOP allows you to increase the number of vehicles in your fleet (by a percentage of your fleet maximum) for up to 92 days. You have three options when you apply:
- Three 30-day PS TOPs
- One 60-day PS TOP and one 30-day PS TOP
- One 92-day PS TOP
Terms and conditions
The Board sets terms and conditions of passenger transportation licences when an application is approved. To continue operating a limousine, shuttle, or other PDV, an operator must ensure they remain in compliance with their terms and conditions as well as the Act and the Regulations. Terms and conditions for limousines, shuttles and other PDV operators include things like fleet size and composition, operating areas, rates, and other requirements that must be followed.
Fitness reviews
The Board may review licensee fitness at any time to make sure they meet standards.
News and updates for
Limousine, shuttle and other passenger-directed vehicles
March 6, 2024
Update on climate change programs and initiatives
The scale of the climate emergency demands urgent action. Responding to climate change is a significant priority for the B.C. government. The Passenger Transportation Board (Board) continues to review its policies and procedures to ensure they support the government’s climate change programs and initiatives. The following initiatives are a few of those currently being undertaken by the Province and the Board.
February 7, 2024
The Passenger Transportation Board is moving
The Passenger Transportation Board (Board) has been advised by the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure that, as of April 1, 2024, the B
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Make a complaint about a service.
Please put your complaint in writing and send it to the Commercial Passenger Vehicle Program. Their phone number is 604-527-2198 and their email is cpv@gov.bc.ca.
Find out what’s happening with someone else’s application.
We do not disclose the status of other applications until the final decision has been published on the website. We also do not disclose that an application has been received until it’s Application Summary has been published in the Weekly Bulletin.
Get an update on my application.
An applicant may contact the Board to inquire about the status of their application.
Renew my licence.
The Registrar of Passenger Transportation will automatically send licence renewal forms to licensees with expiring licences.