New Jersey Administrative Code
Title 13 - LAW AND PUBLIC SAFETY
Chapter 45I - BILL OF RIGHTS FOR CUSTOMERS OF CERTAIN AUTOBUSES
Subchapter 1 - BILL OF RIGHTS FOR CUSTOMERS OF CERTAIN AUTOBUSES
Section 13:45I-1.2 - Definitions

The following words and terms, when used in this subchapter, shall have the following meanings unless the context indicates otherwise.

"Autobus" means a privately-owned autobus for hire operated over the public highways in this State for the transportation of not more than 40 passengers in intrastate or interstate business. For the purposes of this subchapter, the term "autobus" shall not include:

1. "Motorbus regular route service" as defined in 27:25-3;

2. Taxicabs, unless that service becomes or is held out to be regular service between stated termini;

3. Hotel shuttle buses used exclusively for the transportation of hotel patrons to or from common carrier stations, such as local railway stations and airports;

4. Autobuses operated to transport children and their adult chaperones to or from a school, school-connected activities, day camp, summer day camp, nursery school, child care center, pre-school center, or other similar places of education including "School Vehicle Type I" and "School Vehicle Type II" buses, as defined in 39:1-1;

5. Autobuses with a carrying capacity of not more than 13 passengers operated under municipal consent upon a route established wholly within the limits of one municipality or autobuses with a carrying capacity of not more than 20 passengers operated under municipal consent upon a route established wholly within the limits of not more than four contiguous municipalities within any county of the fifth or sixth class, which route, in either case, does not in whole or in part parallel upon the same street, the line of any street railway or traction railway, or any other autobus route;

6. Autocab, limousine, or livery services as defined in 48:16-13, unless the service becomes or is held out to be regular service between stated termini;

7. Vehicles used in "ridesharing" arrangements, as defined in 27:26-3;

8. Motor buses owned by or operated under a contract with NJ TRANSIT Corporation;

9. Charter bus operation, as defined in 48:4-1;

10. A vehicle designed to transport eight or more, but fewer than 16 persons, including the driver, used exclusively for the transportation of persons between an off-airport parking facility and an airport;

11. A special paratransit vehicle, as defined in 48:4-1; or

12. A vehicle that is owned or leased by a "boarding or nursing home" as defined by 26:2H-37, by an "assisted living facility" as defined by 26:2H-12.5 6, by an adult day health care facility or pediatric day health care facility licensed pursuant to 26:2H-1 et seq., or by any facility or other entity licensed or approved by the Department of Human Services or the Department of Health to render services to New Jersey residents, and which is used to transport eight or more, but fewer than 16 persons, including the driver, to and from recreational and social activities, shopping, and/or other health care providers, provided that no charge is assessed each time a patient, resident, or client utilizes the transportation service.

"Autobus passenger bill of rights" means the consumer protections and obligations of the owners and operators of autobuses, and basic expectations and guarantees of health, safety, and welfare established for the benefit of customers of autobuses under 56:16-4 and this subchapter.

"Division" means the Division of Consumer Affairs.

"For hire" means for direct or indirect hire, any service for which the driver of the vehicle is compensated, or which is included in the duties of the person who renders services for compensation, but shall not include transportation services that are provided to patients or residents of a "boarding or nursing home," as defined in 26:2H-37, an "assisted living facility," as defined in 26:2H-12.5 6, an adult day health care facility or pediatric day health care facility licensed pursuant to 26:2H-1 et seq., or to patients, residents, or clients of any facility or other entity that is licensed or approved by the Department of Human Services or the Department of Health to render services to New Jersey residents, unless a charge is assessed each time a patient, resident, or client utilizes the transportation services.

"Operator" means a person who is in actual physical control of an autobus.

"Owner" means:

1. A person who holds the legal title to an autobus; or

2. The conditional vendee, lessee, or mortgagor, provided that:

i. The autobus is the subject of an agreement for the conditional sale or lease thereof with the right of purchase upon performance of the conditions stated in the agreement and with an immediate right of possession vested in the conditional vendee or lessee; or

ii. The mortgagor of the autobus is entitled to possession.