Press Release

PUC Seeks Comment Regarding New Temporary Regulations for the Taxi and Limousine Industry

Published on 8/11/2016

Filed under: Transportation and Safety

 HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today issued an Advance Notice of Temporary Rulemaking Order, seeking public comment on new temporary regulations governing the taxi and limousine industries in Pennsylvania.

Act 85 of 2016, which became effective on July 13, 2016, required the Commission to publicize new temporary regulations within 150 days.  Those temporary regulations will expire upon the promulgation of final-form regulations or two years after the effective date of Act 85, whichever is earlier.

According to Act 85, the new regulations shall address various issues related to taxi and limousine operations, such as:

• Metering technologies,
• Driver requirements, including criminal history and driving record background checks,
• Vehicle age and mileage standards,
• Log sheets, manifests and the storage of information,
• Taxi markings and advertising,
• The operation of lease-to-own taxi and limousine equipment,
• Taxi and limousine tariffs, including rate and tariff change procedures, and
• Vehicle requirements, including environmental, cleanliness, safety and customer service standards, as well as special safety requirements for children. 

In exploring these topics, the Commission emphasized the importance of recognizing changes in technology, customer demand and expectations, and competitive challenges – while also ensuring a continued commitment to vehicle safety, driver integrity and adequate insurance to protect the public.

Comments must be filed with the Commission within 30 days after the date of publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.

All written comments must reference the docket number and must be submitted to the following address:

Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission
Attn: Secretary / Docket # L-2016-2556432
P.O. Box 3265
Harrisburg, PA  17105-3265

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-2016-2556432
 

Contact:

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