WAC 480-30-316   Tariffs and time schedules, customer notice requirements.  (1) Notice. Each auto transportation company must provide notice to its customers at least thirty days prior to the stated effective date for any proposed tariff change that would increase recurring or prepaid rates or restrict access to services (e.g., rate increase, route reduction, time schedule change).

     (2) Thirty-day notice to public. At least thirty days prior to the stated effective date, the company must post a notice in a conspicuous place for each affected route or routes. The published notice must remain posted until the commission takes action on the request. The notice must be posted:

     (a) In each vehicle;

     (b) At each passenger facility; and

     (c) On the company's internet web site, if the company maintains an internet web site accessible to the public through which it sells its transportation services and posts its rates or time schedules.

     (3) Content of postings. The published notice required by this rule must include:

     (a) The date the notice is issued;

     (b) The company's name, address, and telephone number;

     (c) A comparison of current and proposed rates by service, when applicable;

     (d) The requested effective date;

     (e) A description of how customers may contact the company if they have specific questions or need additional information about the proposal;

     (f) A description of how customers may contact the commission to comment or oppose the company's proposal.

     (4) Other customer notice. The commission may require additional notice to customers other than described in this rule when the commission is holding a public hearing in a contested case, or when a company proposal may have a significant impact on customer rates or access to services or when the commission determines that additional customer education is needed.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 80.01.040, 81.04.160, 81.12.050, 81.68.030, and 81.70.270. 06-13-006 (General Order No. R-533, Docket No. TC-020497), § 480-30-316, filed 6/8/06, effective 7/9/06.]