FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

PUC JOINS WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT AT SACRAMENTO AIRPORT FOR SURPRISE INSPECTIONS OF PASSENGER CARRIERS

SAN FRANCISCO, June 19, 2006 -- The California Public Utilities Commission (PUC) today conducted unannounced inspections of shuttles operating at Sacramento International Airport.

The Commission worked closely with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department in this inspection, which took place from 6:30 a.m. to noon.

In order to legally operate, passenger carriers (including limousines, airport shuttles, charter and scheduled bus operators) must obtain permits or certificates from the PUC after proving financial responsibility and providing evidence of liability insurance and a CHP safety inspection.

Twenty-eight shuttles were inspected by PUC investigators today and six shuttles were issued misdemeanor warnings for lack of a PUC operating license or for operating on a revoked or suspended license.

In addition, the CHP issued 17 tickets for vehicle safety reasons and one shuttle was taken out of service.

"We are confident that these inspections will decrease the number of passenger carriers that operate illegally at airports throughout the state," said Richard W. Clark, director of the PUC's Consumer Protection and Safety Division. "Working with airports and law enforcement, we are able to protect California's consumers from unscrupulous, illegal companies."

If you have a problem with a shuttle you can file a complaint with the PUC at
1-800-894-9444. More information on the Commission's commitment to consumer protection and passenger carriers is available on our website at http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/static/transportation/transcos.htm.

For more information on the PUC, please visit: www.cpuc.ca.gov.

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