Transport Licensing Information
Transport Licensing
Transport licenses are issued by the Transport Licensing Authority (TLA) to businesses operating passenger services, taxicab services, and vehicle rental services. All licenses are granted on an annual basis and remain valid until 31 March of each year.
In accordance with Part IVA, section 64(2) of the Constitution of the Cook Islands, licensing is both a regulatory requirement and a shared duty of care. It places responsibility on both license holders and the Authority to uphold public safety, maintain order, and safeguard the welfare and security of the Cook Islands.
The Ministry of Transport (MOT) administers and supports legislation governing the transport sector with the primary objective of ensuring public safety and security. In partnership with the TLA, the Cook Islands Police Service, and other key stakeholders, the Ministry’s land transport licensing functions are directed towards implementing and monitoring safety procedures and practices that mitigate risk to the public. These measures also protect the integrity and reputation of transport operators, the islands in which they operate, and the Cook Islands as a whole.
Applying for a Transport Service License
Operation of a transport service in the Cook Islands requires a valid transport service license issued by the Transport Licensing Authority (TLA). Transport licensing ensures that all services provided to the public comply with the legal obligations set out under the Transport Licensing Act 1967 and its subsequent amendments.
Operating a transport service in a competitive environment, such as the Cook Islands, requires not only compliance with legal requirements but also an understanding of the regulatory framework to maintain a sustainable and profitable business.
Requirements for New Applicants
All new applicants for a transport service license must demonstrate the viability of their business through a comprehensive business plan and evidence of adequate financing. Applicants are strongly encouraged to present their proposed transport service business plan at a TLA Hearing prior to the purchase of any vehicles. This ensures that the proposed operations meet the TLA’s standards and regulatory requirements.
Requirements for Existing License Holders
License holders seeking to modify their existing transport service license must submit an updated business plan to reflect changes in licensing terms and conditions. Such changes may include, but are not limited to:
Addition or reduction of vehicles in a TLA-approved fleet;
Modifications to transport service routes;
Changes in business ownership or management structure.
The TLA evaluates all applications with consideration to public safety, service reliability, and the overall sustainability of transport services in the Cook Islands. Compliance with these requirements is essential for both the approval and maintenance of a transport service license.
Choosing a Transport Service
Choosing your niche means identifying your target audience and the service you offer. Here are the three categories of transport services you can choose from as prescribed in legislation.
- Passenger Service: Means “the carriage of passengers for hire or reward by means of a motor vehicle; and includes the letting on hire of a motor vehicle by a person who himself drives the vehicle or provides a driver therefor if during the hiring the vehicle is used for the carriage of ”
- Rental Service: Means “a service for the letting of a motor vehicle on hire (otherwise than under a hire-purchase agreement or under a bailment that is for a period exceeding six months) for the carriage of passengers (including the driver) to a person who himself drives the vehicle or provides a driver therefor.”
- Taxi-cab Service: Means “a motor vehicle (a) Designed exclusively or principally for the carriage or persons not exceeding eight in number, inclusive of the driver; and (b) Used for hire or reward for the carriage of passengers otherwise than on defined routes; and (c) Available for hire to any member of the public.”
The general terms and conditions set out by the TLA for services involving the transfer of passengers with luggage, requires separate safe, secure and weather- proof storage compartment for luggage, e.g. trailer.
For more information and clarification about transport licensing for land transport please contact the TLA secretariat on email: [email protected]