Press Release

HARRISBURG - The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) has scheduled six hearings to receive public comment as part of an investigation into whether to make it easier for competition to enter the markets of motor carriers, like taxicabs.

Currently, prospective competitors must prove there is a public need for additional service in a specific area. They also must prove that the presence of their business will not create an economic hardship for existing companies. The investigation will consider whether to eliminate these requirements.

Administrative Law Judge Larry Gesoff will conduct hearings at:

• Pittsburgh, on Monday, Feb. 4, at 10 a.m., and if needed Tuesday-Wednesday, Feb. 5-6, 2002, 11th Floor Hearing Room, State Office Building, 300 Liberty Ave.; and

• Hollidaysburg, on Thursday, Feb. 7, at 10 a.m., Hollidaysburg Veterans Home Administration Building, Conference Room, Area 14, Route 220 Meadows Intersection.

Administrative Law Judge Louis G. Cocheres will conduct hearings in:

• Harrisburg, on Monday, Feb. 11, at 10 a.m., and if needed Tuesday, Feb. 12, at 10 a.m., Hearing Room 1, Second Floor, Commonwealth Keystone Building, 400 North St.

Administrative Law Judge Richard M. Lovenwirth will conduct a hearing in:

• Scranton, on Wednesday, Feb. 20, at 10 a.m., Room 318, Scranton State Office Building, 100 Lackawanna Ave.

Administrative Law Judge Allison K. Turner will conduct hearings in:

• Philadelphia, on Monday, Feb. 25, at 10 a.m. and if needed Tuesday, Feb. 26, at 10 a.m., Philadelphia State Office Building, Broad and Spring Garden streets.

Administrative Law Judge Louis G. Cocheres will conduct hearings in:

• Harrisburg, on Thursday, Feb. 28, at 10 a.m., and if needed Friday, March 1, at 10 a.m., Hearing Room 1, Second Floor, Commonwealth Keystone Building, 400 North St.

Customer and industry testimony will become part of the record in the investigation. Witness and testimony instructions are located on the PUC website.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission ensures safe, reliable and reasonably priced electric, natural gas, water, telephone and transportation service for Pennsylvania consumers, by regulating public utilities and by serving as responsible stewards of competition.

For recent news releases, or more information about the PUC, visit our Internet homepage: http://puc.paonline.com.