California Public Utilities Commission
505 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PRESS RELEASE Media Contact: Terrie Prosper, 415.703.1366, news@cpuc.ca.gov Docket #: I.11-02-017

CPUC SETTLEMENT IMPROVES SAFETY OF MUNI

SAN FRANCISCO, May 10, 2012 - The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) today approved an uncontested agreement that will increase public safety and settle disputes arising from the CPUC's February 2011 penalty consideration case that raised concerns about the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency's (SFMTA or Muni) system safety.

The agreement's provisions include:

· Completion of rail replacement project at Church and Duboce Streets;

· Replacement of aging track in several other locations around the system, including the Eureka curve, Muni Metro turnaround, and Duboce Portal;

· Upgrade of 27 signals that automatically govern train movements by implementing a standardized train signal package;

· Replacement of the communications cable that is essential to the automatic train control system in the Market Street/Twin Peaks Tunnel;

· Implementing recommendations of an independent safety analyst in the Sunset Tunnel; and,

· Increased consistent and improved communications between the CPUC and the SFMTA.

"I am very pleased that this settlement agreement increases public safety, which was the goal of opening this case" said CPUC President Michael R. Peevey. "The settlement maximizes resources allocated to public safety improvements in several areas and provides our staff with quarterly status reports until the Rail Replacement Project is complete."

Added Commissioner Timothy Alan Simon, "I commend the professionalism and dedication of the SFMTA and the CPUC staff in reaching this settlement. As a native and resident of San Francisco, the safety of Muni is of critical importance to me. The public's overarching interest for system safety and reliability is aptly achieved through this settlement without imposition of penalties and fines."

For more information on the case, including the proposal voted on today, please visit www.cpuc.ca.gov/PUC/Enforcement/muni_2011.htm.

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

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