There's some important information you need to be aware of so that we - and you - can fulfil our responsibilities under the Public Transport Management Act 2008 (the Act).
Bus service registrations
The Bay of Plenty Regional Council (the Council) is responsible for the registration of public transport services in the region. In accordance with Sections 29 to 47 of the Act, we are required to register all public transport services operating in the region.
Operators are required to supply Council written notice of the details of the proposed service at least 35 working days before the commercial public transport service is to start.
Having registered a service, operators are required to notify Council of any changes to fares, timetables, routes and operating areas that may occur. There is no cost involved in the registering of services.
The register of transport services is available to the public, free of charge or at a reasonable charge, during normal office hours, at our office at 5 Quay Street, Whakatāne.
Note: A Regional Council may decline to register a passenger service under Section 33 of the Act.
Registering a passenger transport service
If you are operating, or plan to operate, any type of commercial public transport service either in or passing through the Bay of Plenty, you must register your service at least 35 working days before the service is to start.
This requirement does not apply if the commercial public transport service does not pick up or drop off passengers in the region.
You can download an application to register a passenger service below.
Altering or withdrawing services
We need to be advised of any changes to a registered service including the intention to withdraw a registered service. Again, 35 working days notice must be adhered to as stated in the Act.
You can download an application to vary a passenger service below.
Application and notification forms
To register, vary or withdraw a passenger service in writing, print out the handwritten version of the relevant form and post it to:
Mary McLaren
Passenger Transport Registration
Bay of Plenty Regional Council
PO Box 364
Whakatāne 3158
For further information, please contact us on 0800 884 880.