4. Section 99152

Section 99152 is central to our analysis. It states as follows:

Any public transit guideway planned, acquired, or constructed, on or after January 1, 1979, is subject to regulations of the Public Utilities Commission relating to safety appliances and procedures.

The commission shall inspect all work done on those guideways and may make further additions or changes necessary for the purpose of safety to employees and the general public.

The commission shall develop an oversight program employing safety planning criteria, guidelines, safety standards, and safety procedures to be met by operators in the design, construction and operation of those guideways. Existing industry standards shall be used where applicable.

The commission shall enforce the provisions of this section.

Section 99152 was adopted by the Legislature in 1978. (Stats. 1978, c. 1142, p. 3509, § 1.) The third and fourth paragraphs of the statute were added by amendment in 1986. (Stats. 1986, c. 483, § 1.)