What it does
The Passenger Transport (General) Regulation 2017 (the Regulation) is subordinate legislation made under the Passenger Transport Act 1990 (the Act). Its primary function is to prescribe operational, safety, accreditation, conduct and enforcement detail that the Act itself leaves to regulation.
In overview, the Regulation does five things. First, it establishes the criteria and ongoing obligations for accreditation of operators of bus and ferry services (Part 2). An applicant must satisfy TfNSW that they are of good repute (cl 7), fit and proper (cl 8), competent (cl 9), financially capable (cl 10) and have adequate maintenance facilities (cl 11). Once accredited, operators must maintain safety management systems, vehicle maintenance plans, insurance of at least $5 million per vehicle, driver records and notify changes of address or medical conditions (cll 15–26).
Second, it creates and regulates driver authorities (Part 3). A person must be at least 20 (or 25 in some experience pathways), hold an unrestricted licence for a qualifying period, pass a medical assessment, complete TfNSW-approved bus driver training and be of good repute (cll 29–30). Driver authority cards must be displayed (cl 31) and misuse is an offence (cl 32).
Third, it imposes conduct obligations on drivers, passengers and others (Parts 4–5). Drivers must behave civilly, keep vehicles clean, not eat or drink while on duty, move vehicles carefully and report offences (cll 35–47). Passengers must not be offensive, smoke, consume alcohol (subject to exceptions), carry animals without containment (except assistance animals), interfere with equipment, block doors or trespass on running lines (cll 50–68U). Specific prohibitions were added in 2025 on converted e-bike lithium batteries on restricted rail vehicles and station platforms (cl 54A).