Press Release

PUC Extends Fuel Surcharge for the Passenger Motor Carrier Industry

Published on 6/21/2007

Filed under: Transportation and Safety

HARRISBURG – Due to the constant instability 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, 2008.

Taxicabs, paratransit carriers and airport transfer companies are authorized to continue the current surcharges through June 30, 2007, with the new fuel surcharge rate beginning July 1, 2007.  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 June 27, 2007, and thereafter on the third Friday of each month, the Commission will post on its Web site at http://www.puc.state.pa.us/transport/motor/fuel_surcharge.aspx the statewide average price of unleaded regular gasoline upon which the surcharge will be determined. 

The PUC posts the Passenger Carrier Fuel Surcharge Chart, which lists the cost of fuel per gallon, with corresponding surcharge rates for taxis, paratransit carriers and airport transfer carriers.  Carriers are 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.  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 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, or more information about the PUC, visit our Web site 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