Press Release

PUC Continues Efforts to Update Transportation Regulations; Moves to Reduce Barriers for Passenger Motor Carriers

Published on 11/5/2015

Filed under: Transportation and Safety

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today continued to advance efforts to address changes in the transportation industry and eliminate current barriers that could prevent qualified passenger carriers from serving Pennsylvania communities.

The Commission voted 5-0 to adopt a proposed rulemaking for all passenger motor carriers. The proposal eliminates the requirement that new applicants demonstrate that their service will fulfill public demand or need, while continuing the requirement that carriers demonstrate they are technically and financially fit to operate safely, reliably and legally.

“It is important to ensure that PUC regulations encourage innovation and competition, while continuing to protect consumers,” said Chairman Gladys M. Brown. “The Commission continues to review and modernize its regulations to address changes in the transportation industry and other sectors, technological innovations, evolving business operations and shifting consumer demand.”

The proposed rulemaking adopted today impacts schedule route carriers; call or demand carriers (taxis); group or party carriers (such as tour or sightseeing services); limousine carriers; airport transfer carriers; paratransit carriers; and experimental carriers.

This latest action comes as the Commission continues a comprehensive review of all regulations for transportation carriers in Pennsylvania. Previously, the PUC eliminated the “need” requirement for household goods and property carriers (moving companies). Rules related to various other categories of transportation services are currently being evaluated.

The process surrounding each of these rulemakings includes the opportunity for interested parties to comment, along with required reviews by the Office of Attorney General, Governor’s Budget Office, General Assembly and Independent Regulatory Review Commission.

On June 11, 2015, the Commissioners unanimously adopted a joint motion by Vice Chairman John F. Coleman Jr. and Commissioner Robert F. Powelson to move forward with a two-stage process for studying PUC motor carrier regulations – beginning with the examination of the “need” requirement, and then expanding to include a holistic analysis of current transportation regulations.

The process originated on Aug. 28, 2014, when the Commission hosted an en banc hearing to examine issues in the state’s transportation industry, including:

• Adequacy of driver integrity regulations;
• Adequacy of vehicle safety regulations;
• Adequacy of current insurance requirements;
• Elimination of the need standard;
• Rules for “Transportation Network Companies;”
• Enforcement of the Commission’s transportation regulations; and
• Geographic scope of authority. 

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities; ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

For recent news releases and video of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.pa.gov. Follow the PUC on Twitter – @PA_PUC for all things utility. “Like” Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission on Facebook for easy access to information on utility issues.

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Docket No.
L-2015-2507592
L-2015-2478052

Contact:

• Nils Hagen-Frederiksen
  Press Secretary
  717-418-2701
  nhagen-fre@pa.gov