Press Release

PUC Extends Fuel Surcharge for the Passenger Motor Carrier Industry

Published on 6/1/2006

Filed under: Transportation and Safety

HARRISBURG – Due to the constant fluctuation of gasoline prices, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today unanimously approved an extension to the statewide fuel surcharge for the passenger motor carrier industry. The surcharge has been extended to June 30, 2007.

Taxicabs, paratransit carriers and airport transfer companies are authorized to continue the current surcharges through June 30, 2006.  For taxis, the fuel surcharge is 60 cents per trip for each paying passenger. Paratransit carriers and airport transfer companies may charge $1.35 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.

Effective July 1, 2006, carriers will be able to rely on the PUC’s website to determine the amount to collect for the fuel surcharge.  On the third Friday of each month, the Commission will post the statewide average price of unleaded regular gasoline on the PUC’s fuel surcharge webpage at http://www.puc.state.pa.us/transport/motor/fuel_surcharge.aspx. 

The PUC also will post the Passenger Carrier Fuel Surcharge Chart, which will list the cost of fuel per gallon, with corresponding surcharge rates for taxis, paratransit carriers and airport transfer carriers.  Carriers will be able to go to the PUC’s webpage to check on the current statewide average for a gallon of gas.  By using the chart, the carriers will then know the amount of the fuel surcharge that they are authorized to collect from customers.  The PUC will begin posting the chart on Friday, June 23.  All motor carriers are required to notify the public of the current fuel surcharge by placing a notice in all vehicles stating the current charge.

Passenger carriers in Pennsylvania have the option of assessing the surcharge.  The surcharge does not apply to taxicabs in Philadelphia, since they are not under the PUC’s jurisdiction.

Carriers and customers with questions regarding the fuel surcharge may contact the PUC’s Motor Carrier Division at (717) 783-5933. 

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 website at www.puc.state.pa.us.

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Docket No. S.P. 28209

Contact:

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