Press Release

PUC to Host Clearfield County Community Meeting About Proper Certification for Drivers Providing Transportation for Any Compensation

Published on 11/1/2007

Filed under: Transportation and Safety

HARRISBURG –  The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) will host a community meeting in Clearfield County to inform residents about the requirements to obtain proper state certification before transporting people for compensation, including those whose personal convictions prevent them from owning or operating a vehicle.

The meeting will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Monday, Nov. 19, 2007, at the Luthersburg Community Center, 71 Community Center Street, Luthersburg, Clearfield County. Representatives of the PUC Motor Carrier Services and Enforcement Division will discuss the rules and regulations for transporting persons for compensation. The meeting will provide information on how to become compliant and avoid costly fines.

Guests will have an opportunity to ask questions and learn how to apply for certification to transport the passengers within Pennsylvania. Representatives from the local Amish communities, concerned citizens, potential carriers and state, county and township representatives are encouraged to attend.

The meeting is part of ongoing efforts in Indiana, Jefferson and Clearfield counties to provide information concerning the transportation of passengers for compensation. Six certificated carries currently offer services in these counties with two additional applications pending.

In Pennsylvania, it is unlawful to transport any passenger for compensation without holding a PUC Certificate of Public Convenience. In the last three years, about 95 warning letters have been sent to individuals in the three above counties where carriers are allegedly transporting persons for compensation without holding a PUC certificate of public convenience.

The PUC issues certificates for the transportation of passengers and property between points in the state.  Passenger certificates are issued for taxi, limousine, van and bus service.  The PUC monitors certificated carriers for insurance coverage, driver and vehicle safety, rates, territory and service.

Additional information about the meeting is available by calling 814-946-7320.

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 Internet homepage www.puc.state.pa.us.

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Contact:

• Press Secretary
  717-787-5722