About Passenger Carriers

We regulate the services and rates (but not equipment) of vessel common carriers. These are privately-owned companies that transport passengers or property by vessel between California points. The majority of the approximately 20 licensed operators conduct ferry services on San Francisco Bay or provide cross-channel transportation between Southern California mainland points and Santa Catalina Island.

Our enforcement staff investigate and pursue remedies against dishonest passenger carriers. For companies operating without a required license, staff pursue enforcement actions and give information about our licensing process and requirements.

Featured Links

Authorized Agency Access for Licensed Passenger Carriers.

We authorized two pilot programs for passengers' private pre-arranged transportation in test autonomous vehicles (AVs).

What are the insurance requirements to be licensed or registered with the CPUC? How can I obtain a list of carriers licensed or registered with the CPUC? How do I register as a private carrier of passengers?

You can look up Licensed Passenger Carriers here.

If you have a complaint about a private “passenger carrier” such as a TNC, limousine, transportation network company (TNC), airport shuttle, or charter bus company, You can file a complaint by following the steps outlined below.

Effective July 1, 2018, the CPUC authority of Household Goods, Private Carriers, Vessel for Hire, and Commercial Air Operators will be transferred to new agencies.

This report contains information reflecting the month’s activity within CPED.

TNCs provide prearranged transportation services for compensation using an online-enabled application or platform (such as smartphone apps) to connect drivers using their personal vehicles with passengers.

Investigating complaints of unsafe, unlicensed, and uninsured passenger carriers, and responds to complaints against licensed carriers concerning fitness, overcharging, discrimination, failure to provide service, or failure to respond to complaints.

Licensing processes carrier applications for permits, manages changes to carrier operations, communicates with carriers, and issues authorities, certificates, and permits for operation.

Autonomous Vehicle Passenger Service Pilot Programs

The "Drivered AV Passenger Service" pilot program allows for the provision of passenger service in test AVs with a driver in the vehicle. Under this pilot program, a safety driver is available to assist with operations if needed. Read more about Autonomous Vehicle Passenger Service Pilot Programs.