The Public Utility Commission Thursday approved an Emergency Order allowing Uber’s Pennsylvania subsidiary to temporarily operate vehicles in its transportation network service that would be older than allowed by PUC regulations.
The Commission voted 4-0 to approve the Petition for Issuance of an Emergency Order – submitted by Rasier-PA LLC – to allow vehicles 15 years and newer to operate in the counties surrounding Philadelphia. (Docket No.: P-2016-2556598)
Current PUC regulations limit the use of vehicles for call and demand services to no more than 10 model years old or 350,000 miles of cumulative mileage.
In its request for the temporary modification of PUC regulations, Uber raises concerns about a “transportation emergency” faced by Philadelphia and suburban counties – including the removal of rail cars from the SEPTA regional rail fleet, the height of the summer tourist season and the upcoming Democratic National Convention.
The Commission granted the temporary modification – effective through Sept. 30, 2016 – allowing vehicles no older than 15 model years to operate in Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery.
In approving the emergency petition, the Commissioners noted that the public interest will be better served by expanding the pool of available transportation during this period. They also emphasized that all of Uber/Rasier’s vehicles will continue to be required to comply with all other PUC regulatory and inspection standards.
