Launch a Taxi and Ridesharing Business in Saint John
This page is a practical, step-by-step guide to launching a taxi and ridesharing service in Saint John. You’ll get a clear overview of the nine requirements you’ll need to meet for NAICS 485310, plus a straightforward plan for permits, licenses, and city approvals. Learn what to prepare, the costs you should budget, and a realistic timeline from kickoff to your first ride.
What you’ll learn: the nine essential requirements and the order to tackle them, which permits and licenses apply in Saint John, and the costs you should plan for. We’ll cover vehicle and driver qualifications, insurance considerations, background checks, inspections, and basic fleet and compliance steps. You’ll also see typical timelines for approvals, registrations, and when you can expect to be fully operational.
Saint John’s growing downtown, airport access, and busy harbor area create steady demand for reliable rides. The local licensing environment emphasizes safety and quality, making Saint John a solid starting point for a new taxi and ridesharing business.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a taxi and ridesharing service in Saint John is the Business Licence. This licence is legally required to run any business in the city, and you cannot legally operate a taxi or rideshare without it. It’s non-negotiable: start here and secure the licence before you do anything else.
Beyond licensing, you’ll need to cover mandatory health, safety, and permits. If you have staff, you must arrange New Brunswick WorkSafeNB Employer Coverage to protect workers, and you’ll handle payroll deductions registrations so you can properly withhold and remit taxes for your employees. You may also need regulatory permits depending on how you structure and operate the business; for example, Transport Canada Operating Certificate could apply in certain regulatory contexts, and you should plan for the appropriate business-structure registrations such as Partnerships or NB Corporation Registration if you form a partnership or incorporate.
For business structure and tax, you’ll want to handle the core registrations and tax numbers. This includes New Brunswick Business Name Registration (SNB) if you operate under a specific name, and a Business Number (BN) Registration with the CRA for tax-related accounts (GST/HST, payroll, etc.). If you choose to incorporate, NB Corporation Registration applies; if you operate as a partnership, Partnership Registration applies. GST/HST Registration is important if your revenue crosses thresholds or you want to collect tax from customers, and Payroll Deductions Registration will be needed if you have employees.
Ready to move forward? Start with the Business Licence, then map out the other registrations and numbers you’ll need. Gather the required documents, set up a realistic timeline, and check in with the provincial and municipal offices or a local business advisor to keep you on track. You’ve got this—taking the first concrete step will put you on solid footing.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a taxi and ridesharing services 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 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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