CPUC Named Regulator of the Year by International Association of Transportation Regulators

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has been named Regulator of the Year by the International Association of Transportation Regulators (IATR), recognizing the agency’s work to strengthen transportation safety, promote equity and innovation, and protect the public interest in a rapidly changing industry.

The recognition comes as the CPUC oversees a transportation landscape that has grown significantly in recent years. Today, the CPUC regulates nearly 10,000 passenger transportation carriers, about 65 percent more than before the COVID-19 pandemic.

“To keep pace with growth, we have worked to make regulation more efficient, expand education and training, and focus enforcement resources where they can have the greatest impact on public safety,” said Terra Curtis, the Director of the CPUC’s Consumer Protection & Enforcement Division. “At the same time, we are working to create opportunities for innovation and expand access to transportation services across California.”

Examples of the CPUC’s accomplishments include:

• The TNC Access for All program has awarded more than $50 million since 2021 to expand wheelchair-accessible, on-demand transportation.
• The Clean Miles Standard is helping move the rideshare industry toward a cleaner future.
• The new RIDE program provides financial incentives and technical assistance to help drivers transition to zero-emission vehicles.

Additionally, the CPUC has played an important role in preparing California’s transportation system for major international events. This year, the agency has worked with transportation providers, event organizers, and law enforcement to help California safely welcome visitors for Super Bowl LX and the FIFA World Cup, ensuring people can travel safely and legally during two of the world’s largest sporting events.

Looking ahead, the CPUC is also preparing for continued advances in transportation technology. Autonomous vehicle passenger services are already providing millions of trips in California. As these services expand, the CPUC’s role is to help ensure that innovation moves forward with safety, equity, and transparency at its core.

“Every day, transportation professionals across the CPUC work to solve problems, develop new approaches, enforce the rules when necessary, and collaborate with an industry that is constantly evolving,” said Director Curtis. “That spirit of collaboration extends beyond California. Organizations such as the International Association of Transportation Regulators give transportation regulators an opportunity to learn from one another, share effective approaches, and raise the standard for transportation regulation around the world.”