Passenger Stage Corporations and Vessel Common Carriers

Passenger Stage Corporation (PSC) are carriers that transport passengers between points on an individual fare basis. Examples are fixed-route bus services and "share-the-ride" airport shuttle services.

Vessel Common Carrier (VCC) are carriers that transport persons or property between points within the state. Examples are commute ferry services in the San Francisco Bay and service between California mainland points and Catalina.

PSCs and VCCs are considered common carriers and must file with the commission through a formal process. Both carrier types require a "certificate of public convenience and necessity" (CPCN) from the CPUC for the authority to operate.

PSC and VCC Authority Requirements

Phase 1: Draft and Submit Application through the Commission Docketing Process

• PSC and VCC Docketing Process and Application Template
• Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure: Guide for Commission Application Formal Process Applicable to the PSC and VCC Filing Process
• D15-05-029: An Order Instituting Rulemaking Regarding the Procedures for Processing Applications for Passenger Stage Corporations
• Insurance Requirements for PSC (GO-101) and VCC (GO-111)
• General Orders Regarding PSC (GO-158A) and VCC (GO-87, GO-117A)
• E-File Page: https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/efile/
  

Phase 2: Formal Filing Process

• Carrier formal application review under the Commission

Phase 3: Compliance Items After Receiving a CPCN Approved by the Commission

• Submit a copy of the Acceptance Letter and Tariff
• Submit and resolve all licensing compliance items requested by the license section.
• Carriers will receive an approval letter from the Commission once the Acceptance Letter, Tariff, and Licensing Compliance Items have been resolved.

Passenger Stage Corporation and Vessel Common Carrier Fuel Surcharge Resolutions

• TL18904 PSC Fuel Surcharge October 1999
• TL18927 VCC Fuel Surcharge April 2000
• TL18944 VCC Fuel Surcharge October 2000
• TL18974 VCC Fuel Surcharge September 2001
• TL18989 VCC Fuel Surcharge March 2002
• TL19042 VCC Fuel Surcharge June 2004
• TL19051 VCC Fuel Surcharge December 2004
• TL19066 VCC Fuel Surcharge December 2005
• TL19080 VCC Fuel Surcharge November 2006
• TL19092 VCC Fuel Surcharge November 2007
• TL19094 VCC Fuel Surcharge November 2008
• TL19097 VCC Fuel Surcharge November 2009
• TL19100 VCC Fuel Surcharge December 2010
• TL19103 VCC Fuel Surcharge December 2011
• TL19106 VCC Fuel Surcharge January 2013
• TL19115 VCC Fuel Surcharge December 2013
• Request for VCC Fuel Surcharge March 2016
• Request for VCC Fuel Surcharge March 2022
• TL19139 VCC Fuel Surcharge June 2022
• TL19148 VCC Fuel Surcharge June 2024