Press Release

PUC Approves Fuel Surcharge Increase for the Passenger Motor Carrier Industry

Published on 1/12/2006

Filed under: Transportation and Safety

HARRISBURG – Due to the recent increase of gasoline prices, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today unanimously approved an increase to the statewide fuel surcharge for the passenger motor carrier industry. 

As of Monday, Jan. 16, taxicabs will be authorized to charge 50 cents per trip for each paying passenger.  Paratransit carriers and airport transfer companies may charge $1.15 per trip for each paying passenger. Paratransit carriers include, for example, vans that take people to and from medical facilities for appointments. Airport transfer companies transport customers to and from an airport.

Under today’s ruling, passenger carriers in Pennsylvania have the option of assessing the surcharge. The Commission reviews the fuel surcharge on a quarterly basis, with the next review taking place at the PUC’s public meeting on April 6. 

Using the current price of gasoline, the PUC will direct call or demand carriers choosing to collect the fuel surcharge to increase it from 40 cents to 50 cents per trip for each paying passenger.  Paratransit and airport transfer carriers may increase the fuel surcharge from 95 cents to $1.15 per trip for each paying passenger.  The surcharge does not apply to taxicabs in Philadelphia, since they are not under the PUC’s jurisdiction.

All motor carriers are required to notify the public of the current fuel surcharge.

Carriers and customers with questions regarding the fuel surcharge may contact the PUC’s Motor Carrier Division at (717) 783-5933.  In addition, the Commission has established a page on its website (http://www.puc.state.pa.us/transport/motor/fuel_surcharge.aspx) to update carriers and customers with the current authorized fuel surcharge passenger motor carriers may charge. 

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission ensures safe, reliable and reasonably priced electric, natural gas, water, telephone and transportation service for Pennsylvania consumers, by regulating public utilities and by serving as stewards of competition.

For recent news releases, or more information about the PUC, visit our homepage at www.puc.state.pa.us.

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Docket No. S.P. 28208

Contact:

• Cyndi Page
  Sr. Communications Specialist
  717-214-5434
  cypage@pa.gov