Press Release

HARRISBURG - The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission’s (PUC) Motor Carrier Enforcement Division is warning consumers to be alert to unlicensed taxicabs, which are operating without insurance and may not be safe. There has been an influx of unauthorized vehicles operating as taxi service in the Mount Pocono, Reading, Allentown and York areas.

Generally, unlicensed taxis operate in and around bus terminals, and solicit passengers as they disembark from the buses.

Consumers should be aware it is unlawful to transport people for a fee without a PUC license. Taxi companies must maintain adequate insurance coverage, charge fees that have been approved by the PUC and adhere to the PUC’s driver and vehicle safety regulation. Taxi companies also must comply with service standards set by the PUC.

"PUC Enforcement Officers conduct taxicab inspections throughout the year to ensure taxicabs are safe and clean, drivers are properly licensed, and companies are providing reasonable service," says Dave Loucks, District Office Manager of Motor Carrier Services and Enforcement. "Insurance coverage also is monitored to ensure it remains in effect. A taxicab company failing to meet the PUC’s driver, vehicle and service standards may be subject to fines and/or loss of its operating license."

Legitimate taxicabs have the name of the company, a PUC identification number in 2-inch-high block lettering on both sides of the vehicle and the taxicab number on the front and rear. A vehicle without these markings is not a PUC licensed vehicle, and consumers should not use the vehicle.