Commercial bus service permits

Service permit system

The new service permit system started on 5 October 2015 and is one of the outcomes from DfI’s Public Transport Reform proposals:

• the introduction of the Transport Act (Northern Ireland) 2011
• the making of the Public Passenger Transport (Service Agreements and Service Permits) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015

This guide will help you to understand what you need to do to obtain a commercial bus service permit in order to operate a public transport passenger service in Northern Ireland who to contact and the details you’ll need to provide.

Bus services where a permit is required

The types of service which need a commercial bus service permit are:

• regular stopping services
• express services
• sightseeing services
• demand responsive services
• event-specific services
• taxibus services

Bus services where a permit is not required

The types of services which do not need a Commercial Bus Service Permit are:

• tours
• private hire services
• shuttle-bus services
• closed regular services

Permit consideration

DfI will consider any new commercial bus service permit applications according to:

• the suitability of the route
• any other ongoing or previous applications
• how the needs of people likely to use the service are currently catered for
• the effect that granting a service permit would have on other permit holders or the contracted network
• the need to ensure fair competition

Commercial bus service permit documents

The following documents can be downloaded using the following link:

• Commercial bus service permit scheme application form
• Commercial bus service permit guidelines
• Current list of commercial service permits in Northern Ireland
• Commercial Bus Service Permit guideline consultation

For more information contact the commercial bus service permit unit on 028 9054 0470.