Start Your Burnaby Charter Bus Business: 6 Key Requirements
This page is your practical guide to starting a charter bus business in Burnaby under NAICS 485510. It lays out a clear, six-step path from business setup to your first charter. You’ll find a concise requirements overview, the licenses and permits you’ll need, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline to get rolling.
What you’ll learn: a six-point requirements overview that covers business registration (structure choice and name approval), obtaining a BC business number, and Burnaby’s local business license; securing the Passenger Transportation license and motor carrier permits; setting up insurance and vehicle safety inspections; hiring and licensing drivers; and budgeting for fleet acquisition or lease, ongoing maintenance, fuel, and compliance costs.
Why Burnaby’s a smart choice: with easy access to Metro Vancouver clients—corporate groups, tour operators, schools, and event venues—your charter bus company can grow fast. The six requirements are straightforward, and the timeline helps you plan from day one so you can start serving customers sooner.
Requirements Overview
For starting a charter bus business in Burnaby, the most important first step is obtaining a Business Number (BN) Registration. The BN is your business’s federal ID with the Canada Revenue Agency and is used to handle taxes, payroll, and interactions with government programs. Without a BN you can’t properly register for taxes or hire staff, so securing this number early is essential to staying compliant and ready to grow.
Next come mandatory operational requirements that impact safety and regulatory compliance. You’ll need a Transport Canada Operating Certificate to legally run a passenger service, and WorkSafeBC coverage for workplace safety. Depending on your fleet size and routes, there may be additional provincial permits or inspections to coordinate with Burnaby and BC authorities.
On the business registration and tax side, register your BC Business Name if you’re operating as a sole proprietor or partnership, and consider incorporation if your plan changes. You’ll also need GST/HST registration with the Canada Revenue Agency to collect tax on applicable services, and Payroll Deductions Registration if you employ people. These steps ensure you can handle taxes and employee payroll lawfully.
Starting a charter bus business in Burnaby is doable with a clear plan. Start by securing your BN and business name, then line up the Transport Canada certificate and WorkSafeBC coverage. As you proceed, set up GST/HST and payroll accounts and confirm any Burnaby licensing requirements. If you’d like, I can help you map a practical 60-day action plan to keep you moving forward.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a charter bus industry in Burnaby:
-
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).
-
BC Business Name Registration (Sole Proprietorship/Partnership) RequiredRegistration of sole proprietorship or partnership business names with BC Registries Register sole proprietorship or partnership at bcregistry.gov.bc.ca. Name reservation: $30 (standard) or $100 (priority 1-2 days). Registration fee: $40. Total: ~$70. Name reserved for 56 days after approval. Registration is continuous (no renewal required). No name protection for sole proprietorships. Personal names operating under own name do not require registration. Contact BC Registries: 1-877-526-1526.
-
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.
-
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.
-
WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration ConditionalRequired if you have workers in BC. Workers compensation insurance coverage through WorkSafeBC for employers in British Columbia WorkSafeBC coverage required for most BC employers. Average base premium rate: 1.55% of assessable payroll ($1.55 per $100). Register online at worksafebc.com. Apply 30 days before starting business or hiring workers. Processing: ~10 business days. Premium rates vary by industry classification (514 classification units). COR certified employers eligible for 10% rebate. Contact: 604-276-3100 or 1-888-967-5377.
Funding & Grants
Available funding programs that may apply to your charter bus industry:
-
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: