Press Release

PUC to Consumers: Choose Certificated Limo Carriers During Wedding and Prom Season

Published on 4/20/2010

Filed under: Transportation and Safety

HARRISBURG – Nothing ruins a prom or wedding more than by getting stood up.

By your limo company, that is. 

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) is urging consumers to check the backgrounds of limousine carriers to verify that they are authorized and properly insured for use during the upcoming wedding and prom seasons. 

“Proms and weddings are meant to be fun, exciting and memorable events,” said PUC Chairman James H. Cawley.  “The PUC is reminding customers to make sure the limo carrier they choose for these events is licensed by the Commission.  By verifying that your limo company is a licensed carrier, you can ensure the safety and reliability of the limo service you choose.” 

The PUC encourages consumers planning a special event not to sign a contract to use a limousine or other transportation service that does not hold a PUC certificate number.  Without that number, a limousine service may not legally provide transportation service in the state outside of Philadelphia.

Pennsylvania limousine services in all areas outside of the city of Philadelphia are required to obtain a PUC certificate of public convenience for transporting passengers within the state.  The PUC monitors certificated carriers for insurance coverage, driver and vehicle safety, rates, territory and service.  They must also charge rates in accordance with their official tariff on file with the PUC.

The Philadelphia Parking Authority has jurisdiction over limousines providing service between points within the city of Philadelphia, and service from an airport, railroad station or hotel located in Philadelphia.  Limousine carriers may hold operating authority from both the PUC and the Parking Authority.

For additional information, consumers may visit the PUC website. If a consumer wishes to contact the Public Utility Commission to check the violation history of a carrier or the status of their authority, they may contact the PUC toll free at 800-692-7380 or one of the district offices located closest to where the transportation will take place at:

Harmarville                                       412-820-2607

Harrisburg                                         717-787-7598

Philadelphia                                     215-965-3721

Scranton                                            570-963-4590

Division Headquarters                    717-783-5010

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities to ensure safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protect the public interest; educate consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; further economic development; and foster new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

For recent news releases, audio of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.state.pa.us.

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Contact:

• Press Secretary
  717-787-5722