Industry information

From 1 November 2017, the Point to Point Transport Commission regulates passenger services undertaken in any vehicle with 12 seats or less (including the driver).

Any business that operates a public passenger bus service must be accredited to be able to provide services legally in NSW, unless otherwise specified by Transport for NSW (TfNSW). More on applying for bus and coach operator accreditation.

Driver licence and driver authority checks

Drivers must hold an appropriate driver licence and authority to drive a public passenger vehicle. Bus operators must regularly check driver licences and driver authorities for currency and should keep written records for auditing purposes.

The online MyRecords service allows authorised operators to confirm a driver’s licence and authority status. It also helps operators to demonstrate that they are regularly checking this information for the drivers they engage.

Vehicle registration

When hiring a bus from another accredited operator, it is the operator’s responsibility (not the vehicle owner), to check the vehicle is correctly registered.

Registering usage codes for public passenger buses

Bus operators must check the registration usage code recorded on the Certificate of Registration for each vehicle in their fleet and record the correct registration usage code.

The usage code for RBUS must be recorded if the vehicle:

  • operates under a Regular Passenger Service accreditation
  • has Motor Omnibus plates.

The usage code CBUS must be recorded if the vehicle:

  • operates under a Long Distance, Tourist or Charter (LDTC) accreditation
  • has TV plates.

Vehicles that are used for both RPS and LDTC services and have standard or special plates should have the usage recorded according to their primary use.

To update a vehicle’s registration usage code, please visit a Service Centre.

Vehicle Monitoring Devices

A Vehicle Monitoring Device (VMD) produces a continuous record of a vehicle’s operation.

Operators providing a public passenger service for 13 passengers are more, are required to have a VMD fitted to their vehicle.

Operators who provide a public passenger service using regular routes and timetables under a Passenger Service Contract between the accredited bus operator and TfNSW, are exempt from this requirement.

Reporting accidents and incidents

Operators must report accidents and incidents to both TfNSW and the Office of Transport Safety Investigations (OTSI), as a condition of accreditation.

The Bus Incident Management Database is available for operators to report incidents and accidents. For assistance using the database, please refer to the User Manual (PDF, 2.87 MB) or for further assistance, email bim@transport.nsw.gov.au

Support for industry

TfNSW is available to:

  • Provide information, education and advice on safety issues and to identify solutions to eradicate risks and hazards.
  • Respond to customer enquiries/issues on 02 8848 8755; 0467 815 745 or in person.
  • Provide advice and present at bus related forums and conferences.
  • Consult with industry bodies including BusNSW.

If you require any further information, contact the bus safety officer during business hours, Monday to Friday.

Shirley Wilson:

Relevant legislation

Industry Fact sheets

To inform you of your responsibilities and compliance obligations, we have developed these fact sheets in collaboration with industry that outline safety and administrative procedures.