PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT), Grisha Heyliger-Marten, is urging all public transportation permit holders to complete their 2026 confirmation process before the extended deadline of Friday, May 8, 2026.
Speaking during Wednesday’s Council of Ministers Press Briefing, the Minister stressed that the Ministry is now entering the enforcement phase of the public transportation confirmation process.
“The Ministry of Economic Affairs Transportation is urgently reminding all public transportation permit holders that the extended deadline for the submission of confirmation letters remains this coming Friday, May 8, 2026,” the Minister stated.
According to Heyliger-Marten, operators have until 11:59 p.m. on May 8 to finalize their registration through the online portal.
The Minister explained that the confirmation process was implemented in two phases to give operators a fair opportunity to regularize their status and comply with requirements under the Passenger Transport Ordinance.
“This process was never intended to be merely administrative. It is part of a broader effort to restore structure, accountability, fairness, and professionalism within the public transportation sector,” she said.
Heyliger-Marten emphasized that permit holders are expected to operate responsibly, maintain valid operational documentation, ensure their vehicles meet required standards, and provide safe and reliable service to the public.
The Minister also revealed updated compliance figures within the transportation sector:
- Bus permits on file: 354
- Operators compliant in 2026 so far: 127
- Taxi permits on file: 683
- Taxi operators compliant so far: 400
- G-plate/touring car permits registered: 149
- Operators compliant so far: approximately 40
She warned that many operators mistakenly believe that simply paying fees is enough to legally operate.
“Payment alone does not grant authorization to operate,” Heyliger-Marten stressed. “The confirmation letter is what validates the right to legally operate for the year.”
The Minister said operators who fail to complete the process may face enforcement measures including permit review, suspension or revocation procedures, roadside inspections, and other regulatory action.
“This marks a clear shift from facilitation to accountability,” she said.
The Ministry is also advancing broader reforms through collaboration among the Inspectorate of Economic and Transportation Affairs (IETA), the Transport Control Unit, and the Public Transportation Committee.
Heyliger-Marten said the objective is to create a more reliable, organized, and professional transportation sector that benefits both operators and the traveling public.