Operating a bus service in Northern Ireland

You need a Commercial Bus Service Permit from the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) to operate a public passenger transport service in Northern Ireland. These are additional to the network of services provided by Translink.

The types of service which need a Service Permit are:

• Regular Stopping Services
• Express Services
• Sightseeing Services
• Demand Responsive services
• Event-specific Services
• Taxibus Services

You can download a Commercial Bus Service Permit application form.

The types of services that do not require a Service Permit are:

• Tours
• Private Hire Services
• Shuttle-bus Services

DfI will consider Service Permit applications according to:

• the suitability of the route
• any other ongoing or previous applications
• how the needs of people likely to use the service are currently catered for
• the effect that granting a Service Permit would have on other Permit holders or the contracted network
• the need to ensure fair competition

Find detailed guidelines on the Commercial Bus Service Permit application process.