Launch Your Saint John All Other Transit Business in 9 Steps
This page offers a practical, step-by-step guide to launching an All Other Transit and Ground Passenger Transportation business (NAICS 485999) in Saint John. You’ll get a clear overview of the nine requirements, the permits you’ll need, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline from setup to first trip. It’s designed to be friendly, actionable, and easy to follow, so you can move forward with confidence.
On this page, you’ll learn exactly what to prepare: a nine-item requirements overview, the permits and licenses you’ll likely need (business registration, municipal permits, and transport-related authorizations), and how costs typically break down (registration, insurance, vehicle setup, and ongoing compliance). We also map out a practical timeline—when to apply, expected processing times, and the steps to get your first trip on the road.
Saint John’s mix of local business support, a steady demand for passenger services, and easy access to Atlantic Canada makes this a strong launchpad. With nine clear steps, you can build a compliant, customer-focused operation that fits your budget and timeline.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Saint John is obtaining a Business Licence. This local licence is legally required to run a transit or ground passenger service, and you cannot legally operate without it. Having the licence is the non-negotiable starting point, after which you’ll handle the other registrations, permits and safety obligations.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: Health, safety and permits are grouped here. You must ensure workers are protected through New Brunswick WorkSafeNB Employer Coverage, which covers workers’ compensation and workplace safety. Depending on your service, you may also need a Transport Canada Operating Certificate if your operations fall under federal rules. The rest of the items depend on your business structure: Partnership Registration if you’re forming a partnership, or NB Corporation Registration if you’re incorporating. These steps ensure your business is properly authorized to operate in the province and under Ottawa’s and Ottawa-based safety standards.
Business Registration & Tax: To handle government filings, you’ll need a Business Number (BN) registration with the CRA for tax and payroll purposes. Register the New Brunswick Business Name (SNB) if you’ll use a trade name rather than your own name. You’ll also need GST/HST Registration with the CRA if your revenue crosses the threshold or you choose to register voluntarily, and Payroll Deductions Registration for withholding employee taxes. If you structure as a corporation, NB Corporation Registration may be required as well.
Encouragement and next steps: Start by confirming which items apply to your exact service with the City of Saint John and Service NB, then set up your BN, SNB, and any necessary GST/HST and payroll registrations with the CRA. Create a simple compliance plan and calendar, gather the needed documents, and consider consulting a local business advisor or regulatory contact to keep you on track. You’ve got this—take it step by
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a all other transit and ground passenger transportation in Saint John:
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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Saint John. Apply to City of Saint John 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 City of Saint John Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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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).
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New Brunswick Business Name Registration (SNB) RequiredBusinesses in New Brunswick must register their business name with Service New Brunswick if operating under a name other than the owner's legal name. This applies to sole proprietorships, partnerships, and trade names. Registration provides legal recognition and is required for business operations and licensing. Registration can be completed online through SNB Online. Business name registrations for sole proprietorships and partnerships must be renewed every 5 years. To register a business name in New Brunswick: 1. Conduct name search ($13.80) 2. Complete registration through SNB Online 3. Pay $112 registration fee (includes Royal Gazette) 4. Receive certificate of business name 5. Renew every 5 years ($62) 6. Report any changes as required
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Partnership Registration ConditionalRequired for partnerships. Registration of partnerships. Register through Province of New Brunswick Corporate Registry or business services: 1. Conduct name search if applicable 2. Complete registration application 3. Submit required documents 4. Pay registration fees Contact Province of New Brunswick government services for specific requirements and fees. Annual reporting may be required.
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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.
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NB Corporation Registration ConditionalRequired if incorporating in New Brunswick. Incorporation under NB law. Register through Province of New Brunswick Corporate Registry or business services: 1. Conduct name search if applicable 2. Complete registration application 3. Submit required documents 4. Pay registration fees Contact Province of New Brunswick government services for specific requirements and fees. Annual reporting may be required.
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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.
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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.
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New Brunswick WorkSafeNB Employer Coverage ConditionalRequired if you have employees in New Brunswick. Employers in New Brunswick must register with WorkSafeNB (Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission) and maintain coverage for workers. WorkSafeNB provides insurance coverage for workplace injuries and occupational diseases. Most employers are required to register, with limited exceptions. Registration must occur within 10 days of commencing business operations or hiring the first worker. Employers pay assessments based on their classification unit rate and assessable payroll. To register with WorkSafeNB: 1. Determine if you're in a mandatory industry with 3+ workers 2. Register with WorkSafeNB online or by phone 3. Report assessable payroll annually 4. Pay premiums based on industry rate ($1.18/100 avg 2024) 5. Maintain coverage and report workplace injuries 6. Experience rating affects rate (+80% to -40%)
Funding & Grants
Available funding programs that may apply to your all other transit and ground passenger transportation:
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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, …
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