Become an Authorised Service Provider

Providers of taxi and booking services are required by law to be authorised by the Point to Point Transport Commissioner. Penalties apply for unauthorised services.

Who can become an authorised service provider?

Individuals, partnerships and bodies corporate can apply to the Commissioner for authorisation. The Commissioner can approve an application, refuse an application, or vary, suspend or cancel an authorisation.

Affiliated providers who obtain services such as security monitoring, branding (logo/livery), fares and the coordination of a Safety Management System from an authorised taxi service provider do not have to be authorised.

The authorisation process is designed to ensure journeys are as safe as possible for drivers, passengers and the public. Penalties of up to $110,000 apply for anyone providing an unauthorised taxi or booking service, while drivers will face penalties if they take bookings or carry out passenger services from unauthorised service providers. Penalties are much higher for second or subsequent offences.

What do I need to do to become authorised?

To find out how to become an authorised service provider, see the fact sheet  "Becoming an Authorised Service Provider"

Once authorised, taxi service providers and booking service providers are responsible for ensuring they are operating their businesses legally under The Point to Point Transport (Taxis and Hire Vehicles) Act 2016 and the Point to Point Transport (Taxis and Hire Vehicles) Regulation 2017. If any specified conditions are imposed on their authorisation they must also comply with those conditions.

Authorisation fees

Authorisation lasts for ten years. Authorised service providers must pay annual authorisation fees each financial year. For information on fees, please refer to our Annual authorisation fee fact sheet.

What happens if my authorisation application is rejected?

The Commissioner has the power to reject applications for authorisation on a number of grounds. These include:

  • the applicant has been refused authorisation in the previous 12 months
  • the applicant or any close associates, nominated managers or directors have been convicted of a disqualifying offence, or have proceedings against them for one of these offences
  • the application does not comply with the authorisation requirements, including that at least one nominated manager (of a corporation) is a resident of NSW.

You have 28 days from when you receive the refusal notice to lodge a review application.

This review can be conducted internally by the Point to Point Transport Commissioner or you may apply to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) directly if you believe it is necessary to protect your interests. An internal review must be carried out within 21 days of the review application being received. If you remain dissatisfied with the outcome of an internal review you can apply to the NCAT.