Pittsburgh – Lyft & Uber get a much deserved win

PUC approves emergency applications for Lyft, Uber to operate in Allegheny County

July 24, 2014 10:52 AM

By Kim Lyons / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

HARRISBURG — The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission this morning approved emergency applications for ride-share companies Lyft and Uber to operate in Allegheny County.

The vote by the five commissioners was unanimous.

The agency’s Bureau of Technical Utility Services recommended approving the applications, even though the PUC’s Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement had previously recommended denial.

A panel of administrative law judges with the PUC issued a cease-and-desist order for both companies July 1, but neither was deterred. Despite proposed fines of $1,000 per day and citations and fines against individual drivers, the companies have continued to operate.

Both companies have formal applications to begin experimental service in Pennsylvania which are still pending.