Bulletins

FMCSA

† Commercial Drive Guide to Hours of Service
Click here for PDF Guide
Posted July 7, 2010

† Comprehensive Safety Analysis 2010 (CSA 2010)
Starting in summer 2010, FMCSA will implement the Comprehensive Safety Analysis 2010 (CSA 2010) which is designed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of FMCSA's enforcement and compliance program. Click here PDF CSA 2010 to read more.
Posted February 9, 2010

† Changes to New Entrant Safety Assurance Program

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration of the US Department of Transportation has issued "Changes to the NEW Entrant Safety Assurance Program", effective January 2010. A NEW Entrant is defined as a motor carrier not domiciled in Mexico that applies for a U.S. DOT identification number in order to initiate operations in interstate commerce. Click here PDF New Entrant Brochure for a copy.
Posted January 25, 2010

FTA CHARTER BUS RULES

† Act 124 Idling Signage Released

Effective April 1, 2008, new Charter Bus Rules were issued by the FTA which explain what a charter trip is and who can perform the trip. Click here PDF Charter Service Rule to find out if transit authorities are doing charter work in violation of federal law.
Posted July 6, 2009

IDLING LAWS

† Act 124 Idling Signage Released

Under Act 124 of 2008 (Idling Restrictions) owner/operators are required to have specific signage at your location notifying drivers of the idling restriction. In addition, a location providing 15 or more parking spaces for the vehicles included in the law such as an attraction, stadium, etc. also need a sign indicating idling restrictions. Here is the wording in the law and what PBA has researched:

An owner or operator of a location where vehicles subject to this act load or unload, OR a location that provides 15 or more parking spaces for vehicles subject to this act shall erect and maintain a permanent sign to inform drivers that idling is restricted in this Commonwealth, as specified in 67 PA. CODE Section 212.101 (A) and (B) (relating to official signs).

Click here to obtain a PDF copy of the PennDOT Idling Sign Specifications.

Posted January 6, 2009

† Act 124 Idling Law and Motorcoaches

Effective February 6, 2009, Act 124 details the circumstances a motorcoach can idle in the Commonwealth. This document will assist bus owners of the requirements to comply with the law. Click here to view a PDF copy

Updated January 27, 2009

PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION (PUC)

† Pennsylvania UCR Registration

The PA Public Utility Commission has a Notice of 2009 UCR Registration information available. Please click here to view a copy of the Notice and appropriate forms.

PDF Unified Carrier Registration - Year 2007 form

PDF UCR Questions and Answers

Posted November 2, 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.

FMCSA ISSUES

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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

LOCAL INITIATIVES


† Alexandria, VA is working with the motorcoach industry to relieve parking problems Click here for a brochure on guidelines to parking in Alexandria. Posted April 16, 2008 † City of Philadelphia Tour Guide Legislation On April 16, 2008, the Mayor of Philadelphia signed an ordinance requiring the certification of tour guides in certain areas of the city. Click here to view a copy of the Ordinance †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: Infrequent User Policy AVI Fee Policies Philadelphia Airport FAQs Summary of Commercial Group Transportation Fees (Philadelphia International Airport) Automated Vehicle Identification (AVI) Application Checklist AVI Terms and Conditions 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. Philadelphia Airport Bus Fee Changes (PDF Format) Posted December 13, 2007