Who we are

The Priority Bus Route Unit was established to regulate and maintain the use of the Priority Bus Route, a major road artery that falls under the remit of the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation.  The Priority Bus Route serves as a major transit link providing quick and efficient movement for large numbers of people and decreasing the demand for private car usage. 

Our Role

The Unit’s main functions are to issue and renew permits for private light-motor vehicle drivers and maxi taxi drivers seeking access. Permission to drive along the PBR is only given to red band Maxi Taxi drivers and PTSC buses moving passengers and to drivers with special authorization.  
The Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation underscores the following rules for driving along the PBR:

  • No other permits or emblems other than an authorized pass from the PBR unit grant you access for driving along the PBR.
  • The speed limit on the Priority Bus Route is 65km/h and failure to comply could result in the PBR Permit being revoked or result in a fine

Who has access to the PBR?

In accordance with the Highways Act, Priority Bus Route permits are issued exclusively to the following: 

  • Public Service vehicles of the Public Transport Service Corporation (PTSC) and Government Agencies

  • Police Service vehicles marked as such 

  • Fire Service Vehicles and Ambulances

  • Vehicles authorized by the Licensing Authority under regulation 38, rule 12(4) of the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Regulations to use sirens and flashing roof lights to  pre-empt the right of way of other vehicles based on the existence of an emergency  situation

  • Vehicles used for the repair or maintenance of the PBR or any service supplied by a public utility along that route

  • Private vehicles displaying Permanent, Temporary, Special, or Letter Permits. 

  • Commercial vehicles displaying the following: PBR permit, Maxi Taxi

 

Services:

  • Issuance of PBR Maxi Taxi Permits

The Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation advises persons who wish to attain a Maxi Taxi PBR Permit of the following requirements:
 
 A letter of application must be attached and addressed to:
 
   Permanent Secretary,
   Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation
   2 - 4 London Street
   Port of Spain
 
All applicants must bring along with the following both Original and Copies of documents to be verified:
  • True Certified Copy
  • Inspection Certificate
  • Insurance Certificate (MUST state the Driver s name and number of passengers insured)
  • Permit to Acquire a Maxi Taxi (see below)
  • Two (2) forms of identification
NB The applicant must be the OWNER
Drivers Documents (include the following):
  • Driver's Permit
  • Taxi Badge
  • Operator's Permit
  • Defensive Driving Certificate
Successful Applicants will be placed on a waiting list pending the availability of Permits. Applicants will be contacted and notified when permits become Available.
 
NOTES:
 
  • ONLY Route 2 (Red Band) Maxi taxis are allowed to apply for use of a PBR permit
  • ONLY applications for Large Maxi Taxis are accepted. (Seating capacity of 18 and above.)
  • An original stamped copy of a Permit to Acquire a Maxi Taxi must be attained from the Licensing Division.
  • The carriage of passengers must correspond on the Certified Copy, Inspection Certificate and Insurance Certificate
  • All documents must be presented for an application to be accepted and processed.
  • All documents must be valid and shall not bear false information.
  • All suitable Applicants are issued with an Acknowledgement Letter and are placed on the Merit waiting List. It should be noted that permits are issued on a first come, first serve basis according to availability.
  • NB. For applicants that are entered on the waiting list and sold their Maxi Taxi will be issued a Notice Letter, with a time frame of one (1) month for a replacement. Applicants that fail to provide a suitable replacement in a timely manner will be removed.

Incomplete applications WILL NOT be accepted.  

 

  • Renewal of PBR Private Vehicle Permits

The Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation wishes to advise all holders of Light Motor Vehicle permits that all PBR permits expire at the end of the calendar year. Extensions of PBR permits are occasionally granted based on the approval of the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation. All holders of Permits are invited to Stay Connected with the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation’s Website and Social Media Platforms for updates, notices and renewal dates.

 

  • Maxi Taxi PBR Permit Renewals

The Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation wishes to advise all holders of Maxi Taxi PBR permit of the renewal process:

 1. Visit a Clerical Officer to sign a Renewal Application Form
 2. Proceed to a Verification Officer with both original and copies of the relevant documents:-

     Owner: 

  • True Certified copy of ownership (Valid for 1 year from date of issue)
  • Valid Inspection Certificate
  • Insurance Certificate(bearing the name of the intended driver(s) as authorized drivers on the policy)
  • Owner must provide two (2) forms of identification                                                                                                                                

    Designated driver/s:

  • Operators Permit
  • Defensive Driving Certificate
  • Valid Taxi Badge
  • Valid Driver’s Permit
  • Valid Identification Card
 3. Proceed to a Data Entry Clerk to verify and update your information
 4. Proceed to a Clerical Officer to sign a generated form
 5. Pay the Cashier as outlined in the Regulations
 6. Proceed to the Clerical Officer and sign the Renewal Register for the PBR Permit

  • Special PBR Permits

The Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation has implemented measures to accommodate drivers with special circumstances who can submit a written request for access to the PBR to:

   Permanent Secretary,
   Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation
   2 - 4 London Street
   Port of Spain

Customer Care Centre


All enquiries, complaints, compliments and suggestions relating to services of the Priority Bus Route Unit can be addressed to:
 
Priority Bus Route (PBR) Administration Unit,
Ground Floor
Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation
2-4 London Street, Port of Spain
Tel: 625-1225