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, June 25, 2007 - During the first quarter of 2007, the California Public Utilities Commission (PUC) participated in two multi-agency 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 California Highway Patrol (CHP) inspected vehicles for Vehicle Code violations (mechanical violations, balding tires, improper California Driver License). The operations were conducted at the following locations:

1. San Ysidro Border - February 23, 2007 - Agencies involved: PUC, San Diego Police Department and the MTS Security and Code Enforcement Unit. The focus of the "Wildcatter" detail was to catch unlicensed transportation operators soliciting passengers who exited the United States Customs facility. Undercover Officers from the MTS Code Enforcement and San Diego Police Department posed as passengers. The PUC issued Misdemeanor Warnings to unlicensed carriers. The undercover operation resulted in seven people arrested for soliciting. Of the seven "wildcatters" arrested, three were unlicensed carriers.

2. San Diego International Airport - March 21, 2007 - Agencies involved: PUC, San Diego Airport Landside Operations, California Highway Patrol, Motor Carrier Specialist Unit, MTS Taxi Enforcement Unit, San Diego County Weights and Measures, and the San Diego Sheriffs Department. The PUC issued Misdemeanor Warnings to unlicensed shuttles and limousines. The CHP put five shuttle vans out of service for mechanical reasons.

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

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