Press Release

PUC Issues Emergency Order Allowing Lyft to Temporarily Use Older Vehicles in the Philadelphia Area; Matches Recent Uber Approval

Published on 7/25/2016

Filed under: Transportation and Safety

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today issued an Emergency Order allowing Lyft to temporarily operate older vehicles in southeastern Pennsylvania, in an effort to address a “transportation emergency” in the Philadelphia area.

Today’s Commission action mirrors approval last week of a request from Uber’s Pennsylvania affiliate, allowing the use of some vehicles that are older than allowed by PUC regulations. The Commission’s orders for Lyft and Uber allow both transportation network companies to temporarily operate vehicles 15 years and newer in the counties surrounding Philadelphia – including Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery – effective through Sept. 30, 2016. Current PUC regulations limit the use of vehicles for call and demand services to no more than 10 model years old or 350,000 miles of cumulative mileage.

In approving both emergency orders, the Commission considered concerns about the availability of transportation options in the Philadelphia area, given the removal of rail cars from the SEPTA regional rail fleet, the height of the summer tourist season and the Democratic National Convention. They also underscored that all Lyft and Uber vehicles must continue to comply with all other PUC regulatory and inspection standards.

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.

# # #

Docket No.: P-2016-2557895
 

Contact:

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