PUC hearing proceeds in MountainStar complaint against On Location over Red Rocks shuttles; motion to dismiss left pending

An administrative law judge for the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) heard evidence in a dispute between MountainStar and On Location Events over the operation and advertising of shuttle service to Red Rocks. The hearing proceeded despite a motion to dismiss filed by On Location; the judge declined to decide that motion at the session and left it pending.

The complaint, brought by MountainStar, alleges On Location advertised and offered transportation services to Red Rocks without disclosing it was acting as a transportation broker and without required motor-carrier authority. MountainStar attorney Jedediah Knight said the company seeks both a cease-and-desist and civil penalties for violations of Colorado law. "We believe that penalties are appropriate," Knight told Administrative Law Judge Harris Adams.

Why it matters: the case turns on whether On Location’s website and ticketing practices make it a regulated transportation provider or broker subject to PUC enforcement and, separately, whether statutory and regulatory limits on penalties apply to a non-motor-carrier. The outcome could affect which remedies the PUC may impose and how private competitors may use complaint procedures.

What happened at the hearing - Judge Harris Adams opened the proceeding for hearing and, after discussion, said he would not decide On Location’s recently filed motion…