Cambridge License Commission

Rules and Regulations: Click here to see the Rules and Regulations

Issued by: License Commission

Governed By:Massachusetts General Law (MGL) Ch. 159A, sec. 1; Cambridge Ordinance Ch. 5.20.360; Acts of 1930,Ch. 122

Process Length: The approval process typically takes 45 days for the License Commission decision and 60 days for the City Council decision

Fee: $175 hearing & advertising fee; no fee for the Jitney Permit

Process:

Step 1:

There is no application form for the Jitney Permit, rather the License Commission distributes the procedure for obtaining the Jitney Permit. The applicant is required to provide a letter with:

1. his or her name
2. address
3. telephone number
4. number of vehicles
5. place of garaging
6. number and names of drivers
7. reason for application
8. purpose of service
9. who will be served
10. hours of business

If the applicant is a corporation, a copy of the Articles of Organization and/or a copy of the Business Certificate or DBA (obtainable through the Clerk's office) must be included in the submission. The applicant must pay $175 for the hearing and newspaper advertising fee.

Step 2:

If the applicant has an office or a garage in Cambridge, the applicant must present site and floor plans to the Inspectional Services Department for approval from a building inspector.

Step 3:

The applicant will then be required to consult Traffic, Parking &Transportation (TPT) about the proposed route. Upon approval, TPT will issue a letter of approval.

The License Commission will schedule a hearing on the second or fourth Tuesday of the month. If approved by the License Commission, the Jitney Permit Application will be forwarded to the City Manager to be placed on the City Council's meeting agenda. The City Council gives final approval for the Jitney permit.