NAICS 485 - Transit and Ground Passenger Transportation

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What is NAICS 485

NAICS code 485 covers the Transit and Ground Passenger Transportation subsector, which includes a diverse range of passenger transportation services such as urban transit systems, chartered bus services, school bus transportation, interurban and rural bus operations, as well as taxi and limousine services. These services are primarily distinguished based on vehicle type, scheduling, and route characteristics. This subsector plays a critical role in facilitating mobility for the public, employees, and students across urban and rural areas. Government agencies contract these services to support public transit infrastructure, provide safe and reliable school transportation, and ensure accessible transportation options in both scheduled and nonscheduled formats. The subsector excludes scenic and sightseeing transportation, which falls under a different NAICS classification.

Industry Classification for NAICS 485

Industries in the Transit and Ground Passenger Transportation subsector include a variety of passenger transportation activities, such as urban transit systems; chartered bus, school bus, and interurban bus transportation; and taxis. These activities are distinguished based primarily on such production process factors as vehicle types, routes, and schedules.

In this subsector, the principal splits identify scheduled transportation as separate from nonscheduled transportation. The scheduled transportation industry groups are Urban Transit Systems, Interurban and Rural Bus Transportation, and School and Employee Bus Transportation. The nonscheduled industry groups are the Charter Bus Industry and Taxi and Limousine Service. The Other Transit and Ground Passenger Transportation industry group includes both scheduled and nonscheduled transportation.

Scenic and sightseeing ground transportation services are not included in this subsector but are included in Subsector 487, Scenic and Sightseeing Transportation. Sightseeing does not usually involve place-to-place transportation; the passenger's trip starts and ends at the same location.

Breakdown for NAICS 485

  • Includes scheduled transportation such as urban transit, interurban, rural, school, and employee bus services.
  • Encompasses nonscheduled transportation like charter bus and taxi/limousine services.
  • Distinguished by types of vehicles, routes, and operation schedules.
  • Excludes scenic and sightseeing transportation which is classified under NAICS 487.
  • Supports public, educational, and employee mobility through diverse transit modes.

Included Activities for NAICS 485

  • Operating urban transit bus systems on fixed routes and schedules.
  • Providing charter bus services for group transportation needs.
  • Transporting students to and from schools via school bus services.
  • Offering taxi and limousine services for nonscheduled passenger transport.
  • Managing interurban and rural bus routes connecting communities.
  • Coordinating employee shuttle bus transportation for businesses and government agencies.
  • Scheduling and route planning for ground passenger transportation services.
  • Leasing and maintaining transit vehicles used in government contracts.

Business Types for NAICS 485

  • Public transit authorities and agencies
  • Private charter bus companies
  • School bus transportation providers
  • Taxi and limousine service operators
  • Employee shuttle service companies
  • Interurban and rural bus transportation firms

Government Buyers for NAICS 485

Government agencies at the federal, state, and local levels commonly purchase transit and ground passenger transportation services to support public transit systems, school transportation programs, and employee commuting solutions. Departments of transportation, education departments, municipal transit authorities, and public safety agencies rely on these services to meet regulatory requirements, improve community mobility, and enhance access to essential services. Contracts are often awarded to ensure compliance with safety standards, promote sustainable transportation options, and provide equitable transit access for underserved populations.

Contract Types & Procurement for NAICS 485

Contracts awarded under NAICS 485 typically include fixed-price and cost-reimbursement contracts, often procured through competitive bidding processes such as Requests for Proposals (RFPs) or Invitations for Bid (IFBs). Contract values vary widely depending on the scope, ranging from small-scale taxi service contracts to multimillion-dollar urban transit system operations. Government contracts may include long-term service agreements, vehicle leasing, route management, and seasonal or event-specific transportation services. Procurement methods emphasize transparency, efficiency, and adherence to federal or state transportation regulations.

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