Register an exempt public transport service
The Land Transport Management Act defines a public transport service as a service for the carriage of passengers for hire or reward, using various modes of transport including large and small passenger vehicles, ferries, hovercraft, rail vehicles, and other modes available to the public generally, excluding air transport.
Exempt services meet the definition of a public transport service, operate without a subsidy, and are not provided by or under contract to a public transport authority.
If you are wanting to operate a public transport service, this may require registration with and an exemption from us as the Public Transport Authority for Waitaha Canterbury. Check out the current registered publicly available exempt services (PDF file, 161.41KB)
Types of passenger services that may be exempt
Certain passenger services may be exempt, such as:
- Christchurch City Tram
- the shuttle bus which goes between the CBD, Willowbank and the Antarctic Centre.
Legal reference for exemptions
More information about exemptions is available in the Land Transport Management Act 2003 under:
- Section 129 Subpart 2 - Disclosure of information received under sections 127 and 128
- Section 130 - Registration of exempt services
- Section 133 - Notification of proposal to operate or vary exempt services that must be registered
If an exemption doesn't apply or isn’t the right option, information about Transport Service Licences (TSL) is available from NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi.
How to apply for an exemption
- You need to have put in your application with us at least 15 working days before you plan to start your service.
- Your application isn't lodged until all the needed information and any payment has been received.
- A service fee applies and will be confirmed with you prior to the commencement of any work.