Bulletins

† Alexandria, VA is working with the motorcoach industry to relieve parking problems

Click here for a PDF brochure on guidelines to parking in Alexandria.

Posted April 16, 2008

 

† IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING PUC FORMS WITH MARCH 31 DEADLINE

PDF PUC ASSESSMENT REPORT.  This Assessment Report is due at the PUC no later than March 31, 2008.  If you are a UCR registered company you will NOT receive an invoice from the PUC for an assessment; they will merely use this information in calculating the proportionate share of the approved estimated expenses of the Commission for their invoicing of non-UCR common carriers. 

PDF PUC Security Planning and Readiness Self-Certification Mandatory Confidential Filing.  This form is also due at the PUC no later than March 31, 2008 and is required to be updated each year.

If you did not receive either of these PUC forms you can access at the links above or you can go on-line and print them off as follows: 

·  Web-site is:  www.puc.state.pa.us

·  On the left side of the screen, click on-line forms

·  Scroll down to the Motor Carrier Forms

·  Scroll down to the 18th form called “Public Utility Security Planning & Readiness Self Certification” (this is an excel spreadsheet form that you can print off)

·  Scroll down to the 23rd form called  “MT-07 Assessment Report” (this is a pdf that you can print off)

posted March 7, 20008

 
†PDF FMCSA PROPOSED CDL Training Regulations

On December 26, 2007, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued PROPOSED Rules detailing the Minimum Training Requirements for Entry-Level Commercial Motor Vehicle Operators.   Deadline to submit comments is March 25, 2008.  Both ABA and UMA are reviewing the requirements and intend to respond.  PBA will receive direction from both these organizations as to how PBA and bus operators in Pennsylvania can also provide input.

Posted February 29, 2008

 

†Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA)  A Settlement Agreement between three PA bus companies and the Philadelphia Parking Authority was signed last year.  For those traveling to and around Philadelphia without having to comply with additional regulations that mirror state and federal safety guidelines, a Questionnaire must be completed and sent to the PPA.  Click here for a copy of the PDF Questionnaire.

Posted December 21, 2007

 

†Federal Bus Safety Bill Introduced  Senator Brown (D-Ohio) and Senator Hutchinson (R-Texas) recently introduced Senate Bill 2326 which would place unfunded, unscientific mandates on motorcoaches.  Click here for a copy of PDF S 2326.  The bill includes the following: 

• Safety belts and stronger seating systems to ensure occupants stay in their seats in a crash.
• Anti-ejection glazing to prevent passengers from being easily thrown outside the motorcoach.
• Strong, crush-resistant roofs that can withstand rollovers.
• Improved protection against fires by reducing flammability of the motor-coach interior.
• Better training for operators in the case of fire.
• Improved commercial driver training. Currently, no training is required by federal regulation.
• Strengthened motor-coach vehicle safety inspections including roadside inspections, safety audits, and state and motor carrier programs for identifying vehicle defects.
• Electronic On-Board Recorders with real-time capabilities to track precise vehicle location, and recorded data not accessible to manipulation by a driver or motor carrier.

Additional information on the specifics of the bill can be obtained from the American Bus Association's website at www.buses.org and United Motorcoach Association's website at www.uma.org. 

Posted December 5, 2007

   

†US Citizenship and Immigration Services Form I-9 Finally Released   The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services ("USCIS") recently released its revised Form I-9, which all newly hired employees are required to complete to affirm that they are authorized to work in the United States.  In addition to the new form, the USCIS has also issued a new Handbook for Employers, Instructions for Completing the Form I-9 (M-274), PDF Form I-9 Handbook for Employers. The new Handbook includes numerous updated examples, as well as, color photos of acceptable documents.  Employers may continue to use the old Form I-9 through December 7, 2007, but may want to begin using the new form immediately.   Click here for a copy of the new PDF Form I-9.

Posted November 27, 2007

 

†Philadelphia Airport Implementing AVI System.  Effective on or about January 1, 2008, the Philadelphia International Airport will be utilizing an Automated Vehicle Identification (AVI) System to effectively manage the usage of their commercial roadway system.  For those companies using Philadelphia Airport infrequently, they will be able to continue to pay the per trip fee which is currently $22 per vehicle per trip but will increase to $50 per vehicle per trip January 1, 2008.  Drivers will be required to fill out an Infrequent Use Form.  An “infrequent user” is defined as a company making two trips or less per month.  The following forms are available for you to click on to obtain additional information on the changes at the Philadelphia Airport:

 

PDF Infrequent User Policy

PDF AVI Fee Policies 

PDF Philadelphia Airport FAQs

PDF Summary of Commercial Group Transportation Fees (Philadelphia International Airport)

PDF Automated Vehicle Identification (AVI) Application Checklist

PDF AVI Terms and Conditions

PDF Limousine-Van-Bus Application

Philadelphia Airport Bus Fee Changes PowerPoint Presentation - this will take several minutes to load.  We suggest you click on save instead of open to save it to your computer, then open it - this will download it faster.
 PDF Philadelphia Airport Bus Fee Changes (PDF Format)

Posted December 13, 2007

 

†UCR Registration  The Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) Act is a new federal program designed to fund state motorcarrier safety and enforcement programs as well as the administration of the UCR Program.  This program was previously referred to as the Single State Registration System (SSRS) which is no longer in existence.  Pennsylvania is participating in the UCR effective January 1, 2008.  Previously, if you operated interstate, you had to go to another state such as West Virginia or New York to register.  UCR is based on INTERSTATE travel and the number of vehicles in your fleet.

 

The Pennsylvania PUC issued documents in early October 2007 on the UCR program which details several items Pennsylvania motorcarriers need to do by several deadlines noted below:

 

1.         Register for UCR - because the UCR program is new and retroactive to January 1, 2007, a motorcarrier traveling interstate must complete the form the PUC recently sent called "IMPORTANT NOTICE / PUC / Informational Update Needed" requesting your US DOT Registration #, and MC/MX Registration #.  This is DUE NOVEMBER 1, 2007.  The "send to and/or fax to" information is on the form. 

 

2.         2007 UCR Registration and Fees - Since Pennsylvania is not a UCR participating state until January 1, 2008, a motorcarrier must register with one of the surrounding states (CT, ME, Mass, NH, NY, RI, VA, WV) and pay the appropriate fees by November 15, 2007 for the year 2007.    The PUC should have sent all PA motorcarriers this form called "UNIFIED CARRIER REGISTRATION - Year 2007".  A carrier may also go to www.ucr.in.gov to register and pay.

 

3.         2008 UCR Registration and Fees - Because Pennsylvania will be new to the UCR program effective January 1, 2008, UCR fees will be due MARCH 31, 2008 to Pennsylvania PUC.  Motorcarrier operators can pay on-line at www.ucr.in.gov.

 

4.         2009 UCR Registration and Fees - UCR program fees for 2009 will be due DECEMBER 31, 2008 to Pennsylvania.  Future years will also be due by December 31 of the preceding year directly to Pennsylvania.

 

Fees - a mailing motorcarriers received from the PUC details the fees motorcarriers are obligated to pay if you operate INTERSTATE commerce.

 

PUC Assessment – The Pennsylvania PUC has indicated on their written correspondence to motorcarriers that they will not be doing any more assessmeuture since they will be part of the UCR.  We will keep on top of this and let you know additional information as it becomes available.

 

PDF Unified Carrier Registration - Year 2007 form 

PDF UCR Questions and Answers

Posted November 2, 2007

 

†Alexandria, VA  Expands Convenient Motorcoach Parking Program  Alexandria’s historic Old Town has expanded its convenient parking program for motorcoaches to ease the challenge of where to park, both day and night.  The George Washington Masonic National Memorial in partnership with the Alexandria Convention & Visitors Association (ACVA), has been offering off-street, long-term parking facilities on-site in the Memorial’s 24-space motorcoach parking lot since 2006.   Now that program has been expanded to include parking for motorcoaches on day trips to Alexandria.  This additional daytime service will help to ease the congestion that may occur in the heart of Old Town Alexandria during peak tourist seasons. 

 

Parking permits for both types of motorcoach parking are available through the Ramsay House Visitors Center, 221 King Street.   The fee for a daytime permit is $10; the fee to park overnight is $35.   Revenue generated from the permits is used to maintain parking facilities at the Memorial and for administration of the program by the ACVA.  The number and length of passes purchased by a company are limited only by the number of parking spaces available.

 

Permit applications may be submitted by service providers (hotels, attractions, restaurants) or tour and motorcoach companies.  The requesting business may apply for a permit online at www.funside.com or by phone at 800-388-9119.   Applications may be paid for by credit card, check or cash.  A permit will not be issued until payment in full has been received. Once payment is received, the permit will be mailed if the arrival date exceeds five business days, or picked up at the Ramsay House Visitors Center upon arrival in Alexandria.  Applications also will be accepted for “same day ” requests by service providers.  Complete procedural details for the application process are available online at www.funside.com.   For more information about the program itself, contact Renee Cardone at 703-838-4200, ext. 204.

Posted October 26, 2007

 

†Out-of-Service Requirements of Employers  House Bill 17 amends Pa.C.S. Title 75 (Vehicles), increasing and refining penalties and further defining responsibilities for commercial vehicle owners/employers ensuring consistency with Federal requirements under the Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act (MCSIA).  The bill prohibits employers of commercial drivers to knowingly alIow, require or permit or authorize a driver to drive a commercial motor vehicle when the driver the vehicle or the motor carrier operation is subject to an out of service order. The fine for a violation of this new subparagraph is increased to for this specific situation from $1000 to $2,750, as required under MCSIA.  A fine under Section 4107, amended in Act 37 of 2005 that had been used to cover this violation has been reduced to its previous $500.  The definition of "Serious traffic violation" is refined to include the specific violations required to be reported under MICSIA.  Act 37 of 2005 originally enacted the required provisions of the MCSIA act in the Commonwealth.  Once passed, effective in 90 Days.  NOTE:  to view this House Bill, go to www.legis.state.pa.us and enter HB 17.  This Bill was “tabled” on 10/24/07 in the Senate and will likely be brought up again for consideration in the future. 

Posted October 26, 2007

 

†PennDOT CDL Mailing  Several months ago, PennDOT used their database of over 100,000 CDL license holders to mail these folks information about job opportunities at PennDOT, particularly during the winter months.  HB 1963 was introduced on October 24th PROHIBITING PENNDOT FROM UTILIZING THE DEPARTMENT’S CDL LICENSE DATABASE FOR EMPLOYMENT RECRUITMENT PURPOSES.  We will monitor this legislative effort. 

Posted October 26, 2007

 

†Washington DC $50 Permit Update   PBA has been informed that the American Bus Association, United Motorcoach Association, and the National Tour Association have formed a coalition and filed a lawsuit in D.C. Superior Court to stop the city of Washington DC from collecting the $50 trip “permit fees” every six days from each motorcoach entering the city.

 

For the time being, you still must pay the $50 permit fee, however, unless you have apportioned plates with Washington DC listed on your card.

 

To obtain information on obtaining a trip permit for trips into Washington DC, go to: http://dmv.dc.gov/main.shtm.  Then go to “Information” and click on “chartered buses”.  Everything should be there that you need.

 Posted August 1, 2007
 

†Trips for Compensation Require PUC Authority.    The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) reminds people that arranging trips for compensation within the state requires a PUC license.

 

The state’s Public Utility Code requires that anyone who is serving as a “passenger broker” must hold a brokerage license issued by the PUC. A passenger broker is someone who is being paid to arrange trips within the state – such as bus trips.

The PUC monitors passenger brokers for things such as quality of service, safety and insurance. The PUC also ensures the broker is following all state laws and regulations.

 

The PUC’s Pittsburgh District Office has recently received many reports of unlicensed people serving as passenger brokers by arranging bus trips within the state for compensation, especially in the Pittsburgh area. Civil and criminal penalties may be sought by the PUC if someone is found to be operating as a passenger broker without proper authority.

 

Anyone interested in providing this type of transportation service may call the PUC Application Office at (717) 787-3834 or the Pittsburgh District Office at (412) 565-3553.  Applications are also available on the PUC's website at www.puc.state.pa.us.

 

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, or more information about the PUC, visit our Internet homepage www.puc.state.pa.us. 
     

†PUC Extends Fuel Surcharge for Passenger Motor Carrier Industry.  Due to the constant instability of gasoline prices, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today unanimously approved an extension to the statewide fuel surcharge for the passenger motor carrier industry. The surcharge has been extended to June 30, 2008.  Taxicabs, paratransit carriers and airport transfer companies are authorized to continue the current surcharges through June 30, 2007, with the new fuel surcharge rate beginning July 1, 2007.  Paratransit carriers include, for example, vans that take people to and from medical facilities for appointments. Airport transfer companies transport customers to and from an airport.

 

Effective June 27, 2007, and thereafter on the third Friday of each month, the Commission will post on its website at http://www.puc.state.pa.us/transport/motor/fuel_surcharge.aspx the statewide average price of unleaded regular gasoline upon which the surcharge will be determined. 

 

The PUC posts the Passenger Carrier Fuel Surcharge Chart, which lists the cost of fuel per gallon, with corresponding surcharge rates for taxis, paratransit carriers and airport transfer carriers.  Carriers are able to go to the PUC’s webpage to check on the current statewide average for a gallon of gas.  By using the chart, the carriers will then know the amount of the fuel surcharge that they are authorized to collect from customers.  All motor carriers are required to notify the public of the current fuel surcharge by placing a notice in all vehicles stating the current charge.

 

Passenger carriers in Pennsylvania have the option of assessing the surcharge.  The surcharge does not apply to taxicabs in Philadelphia, since they are not under the PUC’s jurisdiction.

 

Carriers and customers with questions regarding the fuel surcharge may contact the PUC’s Motor Carrier Division at (717) 783-5933.