New safety management framework for all road-based public passenger services
20 February 2026—The new framework starts. Existing industry service providers who are complying with the previous framework will have six months to transition. Service providers who apply for operator accreditation from 20 February must comply straight away.
20 August 2026—All industry service providers must comply, and safety management plans are mandatory.
The requirements explained on this webpage will change when the new framework starts.
Visit the Safety Management Framework page to learn more
Operator accreditation is an accreditation that authorises the holder of the accreditation to provide, as an operator, a road-based public passenger service of a particular kind.
A public passenger service is a service for the carriage of passengers if:
- the service is provided for fare or other consideration
- the service is provided in the course of a trade or business
- the service is a community or courtesy transport service.
The purpose of operator accreditation is to encourage the high-quality operation of public passenger services and hold service operators accountable for complying with appropriate standards and legislative responsibilities.
If you arrange bookings for a personalised transport service (such as a taxi, limousine or ride-booking vehicle with no more than 12 seats including the driver) you need to obtain a booking entity authorisation.
If you are unsure about the type of service you are providing, contact your local Passenger transport offices for assistance.
References
Transport Operations (Passenger Transport) Act 1994
- Section 12: What is operator accreditation.
- Schedule 3: Includes definition of key terms such as public passenger service.
Read the full Regulation on the Queensland Legislation website.
