GENERAL (THE PUBLIC)
LEGISLATION
1) What is ridesharing? Ridesharing is a transportation service, which complements the taxi industry, that connects passengers with operators using privately owned vehicles.
2) Why do we need ridesharing? To continue with the Ministry’s efforts to modernise transportation and increase options for both locals and visitors.
3) What are the benefits of ridesharing?
a) Addressing one of the top concerns of visitors to Bermuda
b) Entrepreneurial opportunities
c) Increased transportation options without adding to vehicle congestion
4) What Government department does ridesharing fall under? The Transport Control Department.
5) Who was consulted to determine the need to amend the transportation legislation? The Ministry engaged with many stakeholders throughout development, dating as far back as 2017, including despatching companies, enforcement agencies, legal counsel, insurance companies, and members of the Hospitality and Tourism sector and Public Service Vehicle industry.
6) Will there be an impact on the taxi industry? No, ridesharing services will complement taxis.
7) How will the Ministry prioritise the taxi industry? Taxis will be given priority for transportation requests.
8) What is the Minister’s role? The Minister has the authority to oversee the implementation of ridesharing, including the issuance and regulation of permits. The Minister can adjust the number of permits based on data collected to ensure a balanced and effective transportation system.
9) What is needed to provide this service? A licence to operate a public service vehicle and an approved private motor vehicle.
10) What type of vehicles can be used?
• A private motor car mainly used for personal transportation, or
• A purpose-built vehicle that can transport a passenger needing mobility assistance (i.e., a passenger who uses a wheelchair or mobility scooter), as defined under the Motor Car Act 1951.
11) Can this service accommodate individuals with disabilities? Yes, however, the number of vehicles that can accommodate passengers with mobility needs will depend on applicant submissions. The Government encourages persons with vehicles capable of transporting persons requiring mobility assistance to apply.
SAFETY AND COMPLIANCE
12) What safety measures are in place? Safety measures include:
• Background checks for operators.
• Operator adherence to a mandatory ‘Code of Practice for Ridesharing Operators and Ridesharing Permit Holders’.
• Vehicles must pass a TCD inspection.
• Permit holders must obtain enhanced insurance.
• The Despatchers’ mobile apps adhere to specific technical requirements, which include passenger safety features such as real-time vehicle location tracking and in-app communication.
13) What is the ‘Code of Practice for Ridesharing Operators and Ridesharing Permit Holders’? The ‘Code of Practice for Ridesharing Operators and Ridesharing Permit Holders’ outlines guidelines for professionalism, safety and emergency procedures to ensure the delivery of safe and reliable services.
14) How will I know if a vehicle is approved? Approved vehicles will have distinct licence plates, beginning with RS. There will also be a window decal on the vehicle that houses the permit tied to the vehicle, and a Public Service Vehicle operator badge on display inside the vehicle.
15) Are operators vetted? Yes, they will undergo a Bermuda Police Service (BPS) record check and a TCD traffic record review.
GENERAL (CUSTOMER PERSPECTIVE)
16) How do I hire a ridesharing vehicle? Services are only accessible through approved despatching services.
17) Can I hire a ridesharing vehicle without using an app? No, ridesharing services cannot stop to pick up passengers without pre-booking.
POTENTIAL OPERATORS
GENERAL
18) What type of licence is required to be a ridesharing operator? Operators must hold a valid licence to operate a Public Service Vehicle.
19) Are all Public Service Vehicle Licence holders eligible? No, holders of a Public Service Vehicle Licence that is specific to and only for a Heavy Truck or Community Service Vehicle are not eligible for a ridesharing permit.
20) How do I get a licence to operate a Public Service Vehicle? You need to complete a Public Service Vehicle Licence application for a Minibus, Taxi, Limousine, Airport Limousine, Carriage, or Omnibus, submit it to the TCD, pass the computer test (if for a Taxi), pass the driving exam and pay the licence fee.
21) What is the process to become a ridesharing permit holder? The process involves:
• completing the online application,
• passing the BPS record check and TCD traffic record review,
• being selected in the randomisation process,
• completing the pre-approval steps,
• paying for and being issued a permit,
• installing the licence plates and any required decals, and
• signing up with every approved despatching service.
22) Who will do the randomisation? A third party to ensure that the selection process is unbiased.
23) What vehicles can be used for this service? Ridesharing vehicles must be either a four-door private motor car that can carry a minimum of four passengers or a vehicle that can accommodate passengers with mobility needs (i.e., a passenger who uses a wheelchair or mobility scooter).
24) Is an additional inspection other than the annual vehicle inspection required? Yes, a vehicle eligibility inspection by the TCD will be required for your vehicle to be eligible to be a ridesharing vehicle.
25) Can more than one operator use the same vehicle? Yes, any operator with a licence to operate a Public Service Vehicle and who is registered with the despatching service can be linked to and use a ridesharing vehicle to provide services.
26) Can ridesharing operators ply for hire? No, services are only available through the despatching services.
THE APPLICATION PROCESS
27) How can I apply for a permit? You can apply only through forms.gov.bm, following the official announcement. Once the application is live, the public will have 14 calendar days to apply.
28) What should I do if I miss the application deadline? If you miss the application deadline, you can check the official Government communication channels for the next intake period.
29) What happens after I have been pre-approved for a permit? Pre-approved applicants must: (a) bring the vehicle proposed for use to TCD for examination, (b) read the ‘Code of Practice for Ridesharing Operators and Ridesharing Permit Holders’, and (c) acquire ridesharing insurance. These instructions will be provided in the pre-approval notification email.
30) What does pre-approved mean? Pre-approved means that, post-randomisation, the Public Service Vehicles Licensing Board has confirmed the applicant's eligibility for a ridesharing permit. However, this does not mean that the applicant will receive a permit. The applicant will need to complete some steps before being fully approved.
31) Do I need ridesharing insurance?
• Ridesharing permit holder: Yes, you must obtain ridesharing insurance for private vehicles to ensure safety and compliance with local regulations. Insurance rates are set by local insurance companies.
• Ridesharing operator: No, however, they have the option to purchase this insurance.
32) What happens after I have been approved for a permit? Approved applicants must:
• pay for their permit,
• install the required decals, and
• register with every approved despatching service.
These instructions will be provided in the approval notification email.
33) Why do operators have to sign up with all the approved despatching services? This is to ensure that all customers, regardless of which despatching service they use, can have access to all ridesharing service options.
34) What is the cost to sign up for the despatching services? There are no costs associated with despatching service sign-up for ridesharing operators.
35) Can I transfer my permit? No, permits are non-transferable from one person to another or from one private motor vehicle to another.
36) What if I don’t want to use ridesharing? You can still order a taxi by app, phone or hailing a taxi that is in service on the street.
37) Is ridesharing operated by the Government? No, it is to complement the taxi industry and is available through private despatching companies’ service apps.