Passenger Carriers - Consumer Info
The Transportation Section of the PUC is responsible for:
• the safety and insurance oversight of passenger carriers that operate on a for-hire basis in Colorado (intrastate commerce);
• also rate regulation and market entry for common carriers and contract carriers of passengers.
Motor Carriers of Passengers for compensation need a PUC permit or certificate
- Fully Regulated Passenger Carriers (market entry and rate regulation, in addition to insurance and safety regulation)
- Common Carriers are statutorily declared to be a public utility and must serve the public indiscriminately.
- Common carriers offer scheduled and/or call-and-demand services, such as taxi, sightseeing, shuttle, and charter services.
- Contract Carriers are limited to providing service pursuant to a contract that addresses unique customer requirements at a price not less than that of existing common carriers. There is no obligation or authority to serve the general public.
- Limited Regulation Passenger Carriers (insurance and safety regulation only): Charter Bus, Children’s Activity Bus, Luxury Limousine, Off-Road Scenic Charter
- Large-Market Taxi Service (insurance, safety and rate regulation): indiscriminate passenger transportation for compensation in a taxicab on a call-and-demand basis, within and between points in the counties of Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, El Paso, Jefferson, Larimer, and Weld, and between those points and all points within the state of Colorado, with the first passenger in the taxicab having exclusive use of the taxicab unless the passenger agrees to multiple loadings.
Passenger transportation not regulated
- A ridesharing arrangement, as specifically defined in tax law, to include passengers traveling together to/from work if the vehicle used in such transportation is not operated for profit;
- The transportation of children to and from school, school-related activities, and school-sanctioned activities to the extent that such transportation is provided by a school or school district or the school or school district's transportation contractors;
- A private individual who transports a neighbor or friend on a trip;
- Transportation by hearses, ambulances, or other emergency vehicles;
- Transportation by motor vehicles designed to facilitate the loading of individuals with physical disabilities confining them to a wheelchair;
- An amusement ride;
- People service transportation and volunteer transportation;
- Transportation performed by the federal government, a state, or any agency or political subdivision of either, whether through an intergovernmental agreement, contractual arrangement, or otherwise.
- Transportation provided through Medicaid.
C.R.S. 40-10.1-105