Launch Your All Other Transit and Ground Passenger Transport Business in Montreal
This page gives a practical, step-by-step blueprint for starting an All Other Transit and Ground Passenger Transportation business in Montreal. You’ll find a clear overview of the regulatory landscape, the key steps to register, and what you’ll need to get moving. We summarize the 10 requirements, the permits and licenses you’ll apply for, and a realistic sense of startup costs and timelines.
What you’ll learn includes a clear map of the 10 requirements—from registering your business and aligning with NAICS 485999 to GST/QST registration, CNESST coverage, and SAAQ vehicle and driver rules. You’ll see the licenses, vehicle inspections, and municipal approvals needed for passenger service, plus essential insurance and safety steps. We also share typical startup costs and a practical timeline from registration to launch.
Montreal’s vibrant, dense transit scene and steady demand for flexible ground passenger services make it a strong fit for new operators. The city offers a supportive ecosystem, easy access to suppliers and regulators, and a clear path from planning to serving customers. With these 10 requirements in hand, you can move confidently toward launch.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Montreal is Business Licence. A valid business licence is legally required to start and run any commercial transit operation in the city, and you cannot legally operate without it. This non-negotiable prerequisite lays the foundation for all other registrations and permits you’ll need, so securing the licence should be your first concrete step before you do anything else.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: Health, safety and permits. You’ll need to meet worker safety and compensation rules through the Quebec CNESST Employer Registration (for workers’ compensation) and related Payroll Deductions Registration. If your service involves regulated transportation activities, you may also need a Transport Canada Operating Certificate. These items ensure safe, compliant operations and protect both workers and customers.
Business Registration & Tax: Get your business numbers in place. You’ll typically register your entity with the Quebec Registraire des entreprises (REQ) for a Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ) and, if applicable, Corporation Registration or Partnership Registration. You’ll also obtain a Canada Revenue Agency Business Number (BN) and register for GST/HST, which keeps tax reporting straightforward across federal and provincial rules.
Encouragement: Next steps and encouragement. Start by choosing your business structure (sole proprietor, partnership, or corporation) and then tackle registrations in this order: 1) Business Licence, 2) Registraire des entreprises (NEQ and any corporate/partnership status), 3) BN with CRA and GST/HST, 4) CNESST and payroll setup, 5) Transport Canada certificate if required. Break it into clear steps, use official guidance, and you’ll build a solid, compliant foundation for your Montreal transit venture. You’ve got this—you can do this with a practical plan.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a all other transit and ground passenger transportation in Montreal:
-
Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in Ville de Montreal. Apply to Ville de Montréal for Business Licence: 1. Determine business category 2. Complete business licence application 3. Submit required documents (ID, lease, zoning confirmation) 4. Pay application and annual fees 5. Await approval and receive licence Contact Ville de Montréal Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
-
Business Number (BN) Registration RequiredA 9-digit Business Number is required for most businesses operating in Canada. It is used to interact with the Canada Revenue Agency and other federal programs. Required for GST/HST, payroll, corporation income tax, and import/export accounts. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) at canada.ca. Takes 15-30 minutes. As of November 3, 2025, online registration is MANDATORY for new BNs - phone registration no longer available. You'll need: business name, address, owner SIN, business type, and start date. BN (9-digit number) issued INSTANTLY online. Available 21 hours/day, 7 days/week (closed 3-6am ET for maintenance).
-
Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ) Registration RequiredRegistration of business with the Quebec Enterprise Registrar. Register with Registraire des entreprises du Québec: 1. Access quebec.ca/entreprises services 2. Complete declaration of registration online 3. Pay registration fee ($38 sole proprietorship, $367 corporation) 4. Receive NEQ (Numéro d'entreprise du Québec) Annual registration fee: $35 (exempt first 2 years). Annual update declaration required. 30-day deadline for changes.
-
Quebec Business Registration (REQ - Registraire des entreprises) RequiredAll businesses operating in Quebec must register with the Registraire des entreprises du Québec (Quebec Enterprise Registrar). This includes sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations. Registration provides a Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ) which is required for all business activities including banking, licensing, and tax purposes. Unlike other provinces, registration is mandatory for ALL businesses in Quebec, not just those with a business name different from the owner. Registration can be completed online. Annual declarations must be filed to keep the registration current. Register with Registraire des entreprises within 60 days of starting business. Required for sole proprietors operating under trade name, partnerships, and corporations. $39 for sole proprietorship, $60 for partnership. Receive NEQ (Quebec Enterprise Number).
-
Partnership Registration ConditionalRequired if operating as partnership. Registration of general or limited partnerships in Quebec. Register partnership with Registraire des entreprises: 1. Complete declaration of registration 2. Provide partner information 3. Submit registration 4. Pay registration fee General and limited partnerships. NEQ assigned upon registration. Annual update declaration required.
-
Transport Canada Operating Certificate ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Passenger transportation services may require operating certificates from Transport Canada depending on service type and interprovincial operations. Transport Canada general operating certificate. Motor carrier, aviation, marine, rail. Mode-specific requirements. Contact TC: 1-800-333-0371.
-
Quebec Corporation Registration ConditionalRequired if incorporating in Quebec. Incorporation of a company under Quebec law. Incorporate through Registraire des entreprises: 1. Conduct name search (NUANS) 2. Prepare articles of incorporation 3. Submit through quebec.ca or registry office 4. Pay incorporation fee ($367) Annual reporting required. Must file annual update declaration. Federal incorporation alternative available ($200).
-
GST/HST Registration ConditionalRequired if annual taxable revenue exceeds $30,000 (small supplier threshold). Taxi/ride-share drivers must register regardless of revenue. Businesses with gross revenues over $30,000 in any single quarter or over four consecutive quarters must register for, collect, and remit GST/HST. Small suppliers (under $30,000) may register voluntarily. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when your revenue exceeds $30,000 in any 4 consecutive quarters (small supplier threshold). Takes 15-30 minutes. You MUST register within 29 days of exceeding threshold and start charging GST/HST immediately on the sale that made you exceed it. Need your BN (or get one simultaneously). As of Nov 3, 2025, online registration is mandatory. Voluntary registration available anytime for input tax credits.
-
Payroll Deductions Registration ConditionalRequired if you pay salaries, wages, or other remuneration to employees. Must register before first pay period. Required if you have employees. You must withhold Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Employment Insurance (EI), and income tax from employee wages and remit to CRA. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when you hire your first employee. Takes 15-20 minutes. You'll need your Business Number (BN) or can get one simultaneously. Payroll account (RP) added to your BN instantly. Register BEFORE your first pay date. Required to deduct CPP, EI, and income tax from employee wages. For 2025: CPP rate 5.95%, EI employee rate $1.66/$100 insurable earnings.
-
Quebec CNESST Employer Registration (Workers Compensation) ConditionalRequired if you have employees in Quebec. Employers in Quebec must register with the CNESST (Commission des normes, de l'équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail) and maintain coverage for workers. CNESST provides insurance coverage for workplace injuries and occupational diseases under Quebec's workers' compensation system. Most employers are required to register within 60 days of hiring their first worker. Employers pay contributions (premiums) based on their business activity classification and assessable payroll. Register with CNESST within 60 days of hiring first employee. CNESST provides workplace health and safety coverage. Premium rates based on industry classification. Annual declaration of wages required by March 14.
Funding & Grants
Available funding programs that may apply to your all other transit and ground passenger transportation:
-
The Zero Emission Transit Fund (ZETF) is a $2.75 billion federal program running from 2021 to 2026 that advances Canada's commitment to electrify public transit and school bus fleets. The fund supports both planning projects (feasibility studies, transition plans, up to 80% of eligible costs) and capital projects (vehicle procurement, …
Ready to Launch Your Business?
Starting a business can be complex, but you don't have to do it alone. Our AI-powered business matcher can help you understand exactly what you need for your specific situation.
Try Our AI Business Matcher Get Expert Help
No credit card required • Takes 2 minutes
Browse Other Business Sectors
Explore business requirements in other industries: