A major regulatory shift affecting public transport operators has come into force, with the Land Transport Authority (LTA) banning the transfer of Public Service Vehicle (PSV) permits through sale agreements.
The directive, which took effect following its gazettal on March 13, was confirmed by LTA’s chief executive officer Irimaia Rokosawa.
“Effective immediately, all transfers based on sales and purchase agreements are strictly prohibited,” he said.
“Furthermore, the authority confirms that any incomplete or pending transactions of this nature will no longer be recognised or processed under the current regulatory regime.”
He said PSV permits had, in some cases, been treated as a tradable commodities.
“Historically, PSV permits have, in some instances, been treated as tradable commodities, with transfers facilitated through private sale arrangements.”
“The practice has contributed to the commercialisation of permits, limiting access for individuals who genuinely depend on the sector for livelihood opportunities and undermining the intent of the regulatory framework.”
Mr Rokosawa said transfers would now only be allowed under exceptional circumstances, including family arrangements, migration, medical grounds, or death.
“These provisions ensured that transfers were limited to genuine and unavoidable situations, rather than commercial transactions.”
He added the move was aimed at restoring fairness in the system.
