FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: Terrie Prosper, 415.703.1366, news@cpuc.ca.gov

PUC JOINS WITH CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL
FOR SURPRISE INSPECTIONS OF PASSENGER CARRIERS
IN THE TEMECULA VALLEY AREA

SAN FRANCISCO, May 22, 2006 -- The California Public Utilities Commission (PUC) today announced that on May 6, 2006 it participated with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) in an unannounced inspection of shuttles and buses in the vicinity of the Temecula Valley Wineries.

Of the 43 vehicles inspected, 11 were taken out of service by CHP for mechanical defects and drivers' license violations. The PUC issued five Notices to Correct Violations for reasons such as operating without a valid authority, lack of vehicle identification, and waybills violations. PUC staff will follow up with further investigations of carriers found conducting unlawful operations, and depending on the results of the audit, may issue administrative citations imposing fines up to $20,000.

More information on the PUC, please visit www.cpuc.ca.gov.

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