Operating a bus service in Northern Ireland

You need a Bus Operator Licence (BOL) to carry passengers if you use a vehicle that is constructed and equipped for carrying nine or more passengers (not counting the driver) for hire or reward. Hire or reward means any payment in cash or kind to enable the passenger to use your service.

If a vehicle is constructed and equipped for carrying up to eight persons (not counting the driver) it is classed as a taxi, not a bus - see setting up and running a taxi service.

You may be prosecuted if you carry passengers for reward without a bus operator licence.

How do I apply for a Bus Operator Licence?

You can apply online for a BOL. You should apply for it at least eight weeks before you wish to start operating, to allow time for the application to be processed. Once the application has been agreed in principle you will be asked to pay a fee of £78 per vehicle for the grant of the licence.

Apply now

Your application will be assessed on a set of criteria including:

• you and all relevant partners or directors are of good repute - see Access NI criminal records checks.
• you have at least the minimum required financial resources
• you or the person employed to be responsible for transport operations, are professionally able - the transport manager must have continuous and effective responsibility for managing the vehicle operations
• any other Bus Operator Licence applications
• you must have an effective and stable business in Northern Ireland

Find out more about how applications for a bus operator licence are assessed.