Public Passenger Operators and Drivers Fit and Proper Policy - Policy Number PN 302 - Guidance

Sep 18, 2026

Uploaded by Grenda

The policy sets out requirements and decision-making guidance for assessing whether bus driver authorities and bus operator accreditations holders (or applicants) are “fit and proper” and “of good repute” under Transport for NSW’s regulatory framework. It explains the scope for delegated decision makers and covers operator and driver roles, including how non-compliance can lead to refusal, suspension, or cancellation. It also notes exclusions for interstate drivers under AMR and references relevant Act and Regulation provisions.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages11

Reading Time28 min

AccessFree to download

Policy statement

Scope and coverage

Purpose and intended outcomes

Public Passenger Operators and Drivers Fit and Proper Policy Policy Number: PN 302 Transport for NSW Core Business Policy 1. Policy statement This policy is intended to assist delegated decision makers in carrying out their role in ensuring that all persons holding or applying for an authority as a bus driver or an accreditation as a bus operator are ‘fit and proper’ and of ‘good repute’. In this context, a person may be considered ‘fit and proper’ or of ‘good repute’ if they possess the necessary inherent characteristics, moral fibre, good character, honesty, values and reputation to enable Transport for NSW (Transport) to give effect to the objects of the Passenger Transport Act 1990 (‘the Act’) and the Regulations to that Act, and to perform its functions as a government agency enabling safe and efficient journeys. This policy recognises that ‘fitness and propriety’ and ‘good repute’ are only two of several characteristics that a decision maker is required to take into account under the Act when considering whether an authority or accreditation should be refused, suspended or cancelled. This policy does not deal with characteristics such as competence, licence tenure, and medical fitness which are also required to be considered. 2. Scope and coverage This policy is for use by delegated decision makers administering schemes in which a person: • operates a public passenger bus service; or • drives a public bus. The Act refers to a “public passenger service”, however since the commencement of the Point to Point Transport (Taxis and Hire Vehicles) Act 2016, public passenger accreditationsand authorities under the Act are only issued with respect to the operation of bus services. Language in this policy which reflects that fact should not be taken to be inconsistent with the Act. Where this policy refers to a “person”, that reference includes a corporate person or entity consistent with interpretation legislation. Sections 7 and 11 of the Act provide that a purpose of a bus operator accreditation or a bus driver authority is to attest that the holder is ‘fit and proper’ and of ‘good repute’. Under clauses 7 and 8 of the Passenger Transport (General) Regulation 2017 (‘the Regulation’), Transport may refuse to grant a bus operator accreditation where it is not satisfied that the applicant – whether an individual, a body corporate, or its nominated directors/managers (see clause 6(2)) are ‘fit and proper’ and of ‘good repute’. Policy number: PN 302 Effective date: 23 February 2026 Policy owner: Executive Director, Road Safety Regulation Review date: January 2028 Uncontrolled when printed OFFICIAL 1 Public Passenger Operators and Drivers Fit and Proper Policy Policy Number: PN 302 Transport for NSW Core Business Policy Under Clause 30 of the Regulation, Transport must refuse to grant a bus driver authority where it is not satisfied that an applicant for a bus driver authority is ‘fit and proper’ and of ‘good repute’. Similarly, Sections 10 and 14 of the Act allows Transport to vary, cancel or suspend an operator accreditation or bus driver authority respectively, where Transport is satisfied that the holder is no longer ‘fit and proper’ or of ‘good repute’. This policy is intended to provide guidance for assessing ‘fitness and propriety’ and ‘good repute’ with respect to: • Applicants-when applying for a bus driver authority or bus operator accreditation, and; • Participants-both when considering their ‘fitness and propriety’ to remain within the scheme and/or to hold a bus driver authority or bus operator accreditation generally. This policy does not apply to interstate bus drivers in NSW working under Automatic Mutual Recognition (AMR) . AMR enables holders of occupational licences, including a bus driver, to work in a second state or territory without the need to obtain a licence or pay fees in that second state or territory. Under Commonwealth legislation adopted in each particip

FAQs

What does the policy require delegated decision makers to assess?

It requires them to consider whether applicants or holders are “fit and proper” and “of good repute” for bus driver authorities or bus operator accreditations.

Who is covered by the policy?

It applies to delegated decision makers administering schemes for people who operate public passenger bus services or drive public buses.

Does the policy apply to interstate bus drivers in NSW?

No. It does not apply to interstate bus drivers working in NSW under Automatic Mutual Recognition (AMR), and it directs conduct concerns to internal legal advice and notification processes.

Sep 18, 2026

Uploaded by Grenda