Run a local bus service
How to register
You must tell the local authority in England or the local council in Scotland that you’re starting a bus service. You must do this 28 days before you apply to the traffic commissioner.
Apply to the traffic commissioner at least 42 days before your service starts - or 56 days before if your service is in Wales.
This notice period begins on the day when the traffic commissioner accepts your application.
Holders of a ‘Section 22’ community bus permit must give at least 28 days’ notice in England and Wales, and 56 days in Scotland.
If you want to start the service sooner you must complete a supplementary form. The traffic commissioner decides whether or not to agree to this.
If you’re planning a service in Strathclyde, you must also give notice to the Strathclyde Partnership for Transport 28 days before you apply to the traffic commissioner.
Fees
It costs:
- £60 to register a local bus service
- £13 to register a community bus service
Apply online
You can register through the electronic bus service registration (EBSR) system. Telephone the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) helpline for information on how to do this.
DVSA helpline
0300 123 9000
Monday to Friday, 7:30am to 6pm
Find out about call charges
Apply by post
Print off and fill in the application form for the type of service you want to run:
- PSV350 - application to register a bus service (England, Wales and Scotland)
- Application to register a local bus service with a flexible route
- PSV350A - supplementary form: application to start, change or cancel a registered bus service with less than 56 days’ notice (England, Wales and Scotland)
Where to send the form
Send the form and fees to:
- Central Licensing Office - for England and Wales (except London)
- Office of the Traffic Commissioner – for Scotland
Central Licensing Office
Registration Section
Central Licensing Office
Hillcrest House
386, Harehills Lane
Leeds
LS9 6NF
Office of the Traffic Commissioner
The Stamp Office
10 Waterloo Place
Edinburgh
EH1 3EG
Other people you must tell
You must also send copies to:
- all councils your route passes through - for example the county council, shire council, unitary authority
- the relevant Passenger Transport Executive if there is one
Getting help
Read the following guides for more information on:
- local bus service registration: guide for operators (England, Scotland and Wales)
- the registration of flexibly routed local bus services: guide for operators
DVSA helpline
Telephone: 0300 123 9000
Monday to Friday, 7:30am to 6pm
Find out about call charges