Pennsylvania Insists On Licenses for Tranist Vehicles Serving Amish

Last Sunday's Pittsburg Post Gazette carried a story about a crack down by Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission enforcement officers against drivers who provide rides for Amish residents in exchange for compensation, but who have not obtained a $350 PUC paratransit certificate. Amish prohibitions on owning or operating motor vehicles mean they need to hire non-Amish to transport them when they need to travel a significant distance. The PUC regulations require adherence to safety standards and obtaining of commercial insurance in order to qualify for the certificate. In case of an accident, paying passengers would not be covered by non-commercial insurance.