Press Release

PUC Approves Change to Age Requirement for Drivers of Paratransit Vehicles Matching Department of Health Guidelines

Published on 6/14/2018

Filed under: Transportation and Safety

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today approved a change to the age requirement for drivers of paratransit vehicles, in limited circumstances, to more closely match guidelines from the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) and reduce operational and hiring challenges for ambulance and paratransit companies across the state.

The Final Rulemaking Order was approved 5-0 by the Commission, allowing paratransit vehicles to be operated by trained and certified ambulance drivers who are 18 years or older. Today’s action addresses comments received from various concerned parties and agencies and clarifies the revised regulations.

Previously, PUC regulations for paratransit services required drivers to be at least 21 years old, while DOH rules allowed drivers 18 years or older to operate ambulances if they have proper training and certification. In crafting the change to PUC regulations, the Commissioners noted that many of the state’s ambulance companies also provide paratransit services, and the differences in age requirements between PUC and DOH regulations prevented some trained ambulance drivers from being able to operate paratransit vehicles – complicating operations for those organizations.

The rulemaking establishes the following PUC conditions for paratransit drivers who are at least 18 years of age but under 21:

• Drivers must be registered with the DOH as a certified Emergency Medical Service Vehicle Operator (EMSVO).
• Drivers must carry their DOH-issued registration of their EMSVO certification on board while operating a paratransit vehicle.
• Paratransit carriers must verify paratransit drivers are in good standing with DOH and maintain records for a period of four years to prove each person’s EMSVO certification.
• These records must be available for inspection by Commission Staff, upon request.
• Paratransit carriers shall notify the PUC within three calendar days of an incident involving a paratransit driver under 21 years of age, including: an accident, regardless of the severity of the accident; driving-related violations, such as a moving violation; reckless driving; or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
   

The Final Rulemaking Order will be submitted to the Office of Attorney General for review as to form and legality and to the Governor’s Budget Office for review of fiscal impact. It will also be forwarded to the Independent Regulatory Review Commission and the Legislative Standing Committees. The rulemaking will become effective upon final publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.

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-2017-2600599

Contact:

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