Press Release

For Wedding, Prom Season, PUC Reminds Consumers to Use Licensed Limo Carriers for Special Events

Published on 4/19/2007

Filed under: Transportation and Safety

HARRISBURG– In preparing for an event to remember like your prom or wedding day, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) reminds consumers to use authorized limousine carriers for their upcoming special events.

“Events such as your prom and wedding create memories that last a lifetime,” said PUC Chairman Wendell Holland. (Download audio of the Chairman)“Don’t take a chance of tarnishing your memory of that special day by using an unlicensed limo provider that may be uninsured, unsafe or provide poor service. The PUC works to protect you by requiring limousine providers to obtain a certificate that ensures reliable service and safety.”

Pennsylvania limousine services in all areas outside of the city of Philadelphia are required to obtain a PUC certificate of public convenience for transporting passengers within the state. The PUC monitors certificated carriers for insurance coverage, driver and vehicle safety, rates, territory and service. They must also charge rates in accordance with their official tariff on file with the PUC.

The Philadelphia Parking Authority has jurisdiction over limousines providing service between points within the city of Philadelphia, and service from an airport, railroad station or hotel located in Philadelphia. Limousine carriers may hold operating authority from both the PUC and the Parking Authority.

Students, parents, brides, grooms and others celebrating a special occasion with limousine transportation are encouraged not to sign a contract to use a limousine or other transportation service that does not hold a PUC certificate number.  The numbers begin with A-000 or A-001 and consist of a total of 8 digits. Without that number, a limousine service may not legally provide transportation service in the state outside of Philadelphia. 

Information is available at the PUC Web site at www.puc.state.pa.us. Should anyone wish to contact the Public Utility Commission to check the violation history of a carrier or status of their authority, they may contact the PUC toll free at 800-757-3677 or by contacting one of the district office located nearest to where the transportation will take place at:

                                    Altoona                              814-946-7318

                                    Harrisburg                          717-787-7598

                                    Philadelphia                        215-965-3721

                                    Pittsburgh                           412-565-3553

                                    Scranton                             570-963-4590

                                    Division Headquarters         717-783-5010

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities to ensure safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protect the public interest; educate consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; further economic development; and foster new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner. For recent news releases, audio of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our Web site at www.puc.state.pa.us.

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Contact:

• Press Secretary
  717-787-5722