Applying for bus operator accreditation

The Passenger Transport Act 1990 mandates the accreditation of all public bus services in NSW unless otherwise specified by TfNSW.

Before you apply you must:

Provide two references of good repute:

You must provide two references declaring your good repute from two (2) people that have known you for a minimum of two (2) years. An employee cannot provide a reference. For further information on who can provide a reference read 2.2.1 of the Bus Accreditation package.

Note: A qualified accountant who provides a financial viability statement for a person or corporation applying for accreditation as an operator under the Passenger Transport Act 1990 cannot attest as a referee to your good repute.

Provide a financial viability statement:

You must be financially capable of carrying on a bus service and provide a statement specifying the number of buses that, in the opinion of the accountant, can be accommodated by the service you propose to carry out.

Accountants who can issue a financial statement are members of:

· CPA Australia who hold a Public Practice Certificate issued by CPA Australia.

· The Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia who hold a Certificate of Public Practice issued by the Institute.

· The Institute of Public Accountants who hold a Professional Practice Certificate issued by the Institute.

Provide local Council’s approval and a lease arrangement document:

You must provide a copy of the approval letter from the relevant council detailing the number of buses that can be kept at the depot location address provided in your application.

If the premises are leased, you will also require a copy of the lease agreement from the owner of the property showing the address of the depot.

Complete the Bus Operator training course:

For information on approved courses, please contact the Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies, University of Sydney.

You can also contact them either by phone on (02) 9114 1837 or email at business.itlsinfo@sydney.edu.au

You will need to provide a copy of your Bus Operator Accreditation Certificate.

Get a National Police Check:

Visit the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission website to find out how and where to apply for a National Police Check.

This check must have been completed within 3 months of submitting your application.

Note: Your criminal check must include all of your current names and also all previous names that you have been known by.

Attaching the criminal check to your application will reduce the processing time. However, if you are unable to arrange a National Police Check (NPC), Transport for NSW (TfNSW) will send you a one-time link to apply for your (NPC) online. This will enable TfNSW to complete the National Police Check (NPC) on your behalf.

If you are applying for a Regular Passenger Service Accreditation:

You will need to be in the process of obtaining a new contract or novating a contract with TfNSW.

Proof of Identification:

A photocopy of your current Australian drivers licence. If your hold an Interstate drivers licence or do not hold an Australian driver licence, you will need to provide documentation from Proving your Identity.

Pay a non refundable application fee of $355 by:

· Visa or MasterCard (You will need to pay over the phone by calling 8848 8700. You will then receive your payment receipt via email)

· Electronic funds transfer Bank: Westpac BSB 032-001 Account number 170497

· Please provide your name or your company name in the reference field of your financial institution when processing your payment

· NOTE - cash payments are NOT accepted.

How to submit your application

Step 1: Read the information in the Bus Accreditation package.

Step 2: Refer to the Help Guide while navigating the online form to ensure you have all relevant documents ready.

Step 3: Submit your application online below, making sure that all the required documents are uploaded when you submit the application.

Cleared funds

When paying for your Bus Operator Accreditation online application by EFT there will be a period of time where the funds are required to clear through your bank. TfNSW are unable to process your application until the bank clears your funds and the payment is available to us.

If paying your application by Credit/Debit Card, these funds are cleared immediately, enabling your application to be assessed without any delay.

Documents

Public Passenger Operators and Drivers Fit and Proper Policy (PN302)  (PDF, 344.13 KB)