Press Release

HARRISBURG, Pa. - The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today granted a special request from the passenger carrier industry to recover unanticipated fuel costs by adding a 25 cents surcharge to each fare.

Taxicabs, paratransit carriers and airport transfer companies may begin collecting the fee on April 1 for a period of three months. The surcharge will expire at midnight on June 30. Paratransit carriers include, for example, vans that shuttle customers from their home to a mall or doctor's office. Airport transfer companies transport customers to and from an airport.

PUC Chairman John M. Quain emphasized that the surcharge is a temporary fee to help the companies during the fuel crisis. "In order to prevent financial hardships, it is imperative that motor carriers be afforded an opportunity to adjust rates and fares to offset unanticipated fuel expenditures," he said.

Under today's ruling, medallion carriers in Philadelphia are required to implement the surcharge. Carriers in all other parts of the state have the option of assessing the fee. The surcharge is mandatory in Philadelphia because PUC regulations require that all medallion carriers in the city charge the same rate.

In the last several weeks, the PUC received approximately 16 letters from passenger carriers requesting authority to implement a surcharge. After examining the situation, the PUC determined that a fuel surcharge was appropriate.

Quain added that companies implementing a surcharge must notify customers by placing a sign in their vehicles that reads: "The PA Public Utility Commission has authorized the establishment of a fuel surcharge under Special Permission No. S.P. 28204. The surcharge of twenty-five ($0.25) cents per paying customer is effective on April 1, 2000, and shall terminate on June 30, 2000."

Passenger carriers are required to provide 30 day's notice to the PUC and the public when they request a new rate. However, the Public Utility Code allows for a shorter notification period during emergencies.

For additional press releases or more information about the PUC, visit our website at http://puc.paonline.com.

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