Launch Fredericton Taxi and Ridesharing Services with Confidence Today
This page offers a practical, step-by-step guide to launching a taxi and ridesharing service in Fredericton under NAICS 485310. It lays out the 9 essential requirements, clarifies the permits you’ll need, and shows the upfront costs and realistic timeline to get your first rides on the road. You’ll also find a practical checklist and tips to avoid common pitfalls along the way.
You’ll learn the exact steps to complete each requirement, where to obtain the necessary permits at municipal and provincial levels, and how to budget for startup costs such as vehicle, insurance, licensing, and background checks. We also cover ongoing expenses, driver onboarding, vehicle inspections, and safety standards—delivered as clear, actionable steps you can follow.
Fredericton is a welcoming market with steady demand for reliable rides and clear regulations. The city’s support for local transport startups, together with the NAICS 485310 framework, helps you build a compliant, customer-focused service that serves residents and visitors alike.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement to get a taxi or ridesharing service up and running in Fredericton is obtaining a Business Number (BN) Registration. This is a federal identifier from the Canada Revenue Agency that you’ll use for taxes, payroll, and other filings. You cannot legally operate a business without a BN, and it unlocks the ability to handle customer invoices, hire drivers, and file reports. Think of it as the foundation you must have in place before tackling other registrations.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: Health, safety, and permits. You’ll need a Fredericton Business Licence to operate locally, plus employer safety coverage through New Brunswick WorkSafeNB. Depending on how your service is organized (and any cross-border or special transport aspects), you may also require a Transport Canada Operating Certificate. Grouping these items helps you stay compliant on the street and with regulators, reducing the risk of interruptions to service.
Business Registration & Tax: In addition to the BN, you’ll handle business-name and corporate registrations. Register your business name with New Brunswick (SNB) if you’re using a trade name, and consider NB Corporation Registration if you form a corporation. For taxes, set up GST/HST Registration for tax on goods and services, and Payroll Deductions Registration if you have employees. Keeping these registrations current ensures smooth operations and helps you avoid penalties.
Encouragement: You’ve got a clear path forward. Start with the BN, then secure the municipal licence, complete the SNB and any corporate registrations you need, and set up the GST/HST and payroll accounts. If you’d like, I can tailor a simple step-by-step plan with direct links to the right government pages and deadlines to keep you on track.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a taxi and ridesharing services in Fredericton:
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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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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Fredericton. Apply to City of Fredericton 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 Fredericton Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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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 taxi and ridesharing services:
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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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