The Ministry of Tourism & Transport, Culture & Sport announced that applications opened on Thursday, April 30, 2026 for Bermuda’s first regulated ridesharing initiative.
The two-week application window will remain open until Thursday, May 14, 2026. Eligible applicants are encouraged to review the requirements and submit their completed applications before the deadline.
A total of 150 ridesharing permits will be issued as part of the initial rollout, with ridesharing operations expected to begin on June 10, 2026. Ten of the 150 permits will be allocated for wheelchair-accessible vehicles.
The initiative has been designed to strengthen Bermuda’s transportation network, improve availability during periods of high demand, and provide residents and visitors with an additional regulated option for getting around the island.
Minister of Tourism &Transport, Culture & Sport, the Hon. Owen K. Darrell, JP, MP, said the launch of the application process marks an important step in Bermuda’s wider transport modernisation efforts.
“The ridesharing application launch is an important milestone,” said Minister Darrell. “Ridesharing has been carefully designed to complement Bermuda’s taxi industry, not replace it. Our approach remains clear: taxi first, rideshare when needed. This initiative is about improving transportation reliability, supporting passenger safety, and ensuring that Bermuda has a modern, regulated framework that works for residents, visitors, and the wider economy.”
Individuals interested in applying must meet specific eligibility requirements, such as:
- possessing a valid licence to operate a Public Service Vehicle (PSV). Those holding PSV licences that only cover heavy trucks or community service vehicles do not qualify.
- their vehicle must either be:
- A private motor car that is used mainly for personal transportation; or
- A purpose-built vehicle that can transport a passenger needing mobility assistance (i.e., a passenger who uses a wheelchair or mobility scooter), as defined in the Motor Car Act 1951.
Following the close of the application period, if the number of eligible completed applications exceeds the 150 available permits, applications will be randomised by an independent third party to ensure the selection process is unbiased.
Minister Darrell emphasised that ridesharing will operate within Bermuda’s existing regulated transportation framework. Passengers will not request rideshare vehicles directly. Ride requests will continue to be managed through despatching apps that are managed by approved despatching services, with taxis receiving priority before a ride request is released to an approved rideshare operator.
The Minister added, “This is a regulated, limited, and accountable model. It is not an open-market ridesharing system. It has been developed to protect standards, preserve taxi priority, and provide additional capacity when it is needed most.”
External ridesharing companies are not permitted to operate in Bermuda.
Eligible PSV licence holders have until May 14 to apply for one of the 150 regulated ridesharing permits ahead of the June launch.
Eligible persons interested in applying are encouraged to visit the Transport Control Department’s website at www.tcd.bm for application details, requirements, and official guidance. Application must be received by 5 pm on May 14.
FAQs can also be found at https://www.gov.bm/ridesharing-frequently-asked-questions