DEVELOPING & LAUNCHING YOUR TRANSPORTATION SERVICE
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Alberta Transportation has a comprehensive resource called the Commercial Vehicle Safety Compliance in Alberta on their webpage at www.transportation.alberta.ca/671.htm. This webpage contains useful information on topics pertaining to operating and maintaining a commercial vehicle (e.g., licensing, registration, insurance, etc.). In Alberta, Carrier Services monitors, controls, and issues safety permits for commercial carriers. For information related to regulations for commercial carriers, you can contact Carrier Services at 403-3405444 and ask to speak to an advisor who can guide you through the process associated with these regulations. To call toll free within Alberta, first dial 310-0000.
Safety Fitness Certificate In Alberta, any vehicle operated by a registered community service group, designed for 11 or more passengers (including the driver), is first required to gain a Safety Fitness Certificate. This certificate ensures that any vehicle operated by the organization is compliant with the safety standards published by the National Safety Program. The National Safety Program is a program aimed at improving road safety throughout Canada.
Other regulatory requirements that apply include: l
Implementing written safety and maintenance programs that meet regulatory requirements;
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Maintaining driver and vehicle records;
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Compliance to driver hours of service regulations;
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Compliance to vehicle inspection requirements (daily trip inspections and semi-annual inspections conducted at a government certified inspection facility);
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Providing adequate driver training;
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Maintaining additional Passenger Hazard insurance (6C endorsement).
More information about Safety Fitness Certificate requirements and application forms may be viewed at www.transportation.alberta.ca/638.htm.
Operating Authority Certificate In Alberta, passenger transportation services may require an Operating Authority Certificate (OAC). Transportation services requiring an OAC may include charter, scheduled service, private, industrial, or non-profit bus operations. Note that a commercial vehicle does not require an OAC to transport passengers when designed by the manufacturer with a seating capacity of 15 or fewer passengers, including the driver, and operated as a taxi that provides on-demand service (see www. transportation.alberta.ca/663.htm). The type of service provided will determine what kind of (69)