PUC Joins with Law Enforcement on Strike Team to Enforce Safety Compliance of Passenger Carriers at Major Airports and Other Areas of Interests

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

PUC JOINS WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT ON STRIKE TEAM

TO ENFORCE SAFETY COMPLIANCE OF PASSENGER CARRIERS

AT MAJOR AIRPORTS AND OTHER AREAS OF INTERESTS

SAN FRANCISCO, July 24, 2007 - During the second quarter of 2007, the California Public Utilities Commission (PUC) participated in seven multi-agency (PUC, California Highway Patrol (CHP), Airport Police, Local Police Department, Sheriff Department and Airport Landside Operations) strike force operations on passenger carriers (limousine, shuttles, tour bus) to ensure that these companies are properly licensed with PUC. At the same time, the CHP inspected vehicles for Vehicle Code violations (mechanical violations, balding tires, improper California Driver License). The operations were conducted at the following locations:

1. Pala Casino - Temecula - April 17, 2007- 15 buses during the operation and issued notice to correct (violations) and misdemeanor warnings to bus operators. Five buses were cited for PUC code violations including operation during suspension, failure to have workers compensation insurance on file with the PUC, and operating with a "Pending" permit. CHP placed two buses out of service for mechanical violations.

2. San Ysidro Border Crossings - April 17, 2007- Six carriers were cited for various PUC violations including no workers' compensation insurance on file with the PUC, no operating authority and failure to display PSC # on vehicle. San Diego PD issued seven Notices to Appear Citations for Vehicle Code violations and the CHP impounded three vehicles for CVC driver license violations.

3. San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC) - April 18, 2007 - 87 vehicles (limousines, buses, and shuttles) were pulled over for the inspection. PUC issued seven Misdemeanor Warnings for unlicensed operations, 44 Notice to Correct Violations (waybills ID). The CHP inspected 44 vehicles, placed eight vehicles out of service mostly for driver's license problems, and issued 14 citations ranging from driver's license, registration, to tinted windows.

4. Barona Casino-Lakeside - May 2, 2007- 22 bus/vans were pulled over for the inspection. PUC staff issued four Notices to Correct Violations for minor violations such as not having the correct TCP number displayed on vehicles. All operators held valid PUC license. CHP placed two buses out of service for mechanical violations.

5. John Wayne Airport-Santa Ana - May 30, 2007 - 22 vehicles were pulled over for inspection. PUC issued four Notices to Correct for minor violations (waybills). All operators held valid PUC license. The CHP placed two vehicles (non-PUC regulated) out of service of mechanical reasons.

6. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) - May 23, 2007 - 103 vehicles (limousines, buses, and shuttles) were pulled over for the inspection. PUC issued eight Misdemeanor Warnings for unlicensed operations and 33 Notice to Correct Violations (waybills ID). The CHP inspected 47 vehicles, issued 11 citations and placed five vehicles out of service for mechanical violations.

7. Oakland International Airport (OAK) - June 7, 2007 - 118 vehicles (limousines, buses, and shuttles) were pulled over for the inspection. PUC issued two Misdemeanor Warnings for unlicensed operations and 33 Notice to Correct Violations (waybills ID, possible WKCP violations). The CHP issued 18 citations and placed eight vehicles out of service for mechanical violations.

For more information, please visit the PUC's website at www.cpuc.ca.gov.

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