The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Commission (WMATC) was established in 1960 pursuant to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Regulation Compact, an interstate compact among Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia providing for regional regulation of private sector motor carriers transporting passengers for hire in the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit District. The Commission issues operating authority to van and bus operators and some sedan and limousine operators. Carriers holding authority from the Commission must file fixed rates and fares with the Commission and comply with Commission-prescribed insurance, safety and vehicle-marking regulations. The Commission also prescribes rates and charges for transportation by taxicab between one compact signatory and another, where both points are within the Metropolitan District.