Strike Teams Cite Operators At CA Airports

SAN FRANCISCO - The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) participated in nine multi-agency strike force operations on passenger carriers (limousine, shuttles, tour buses) during the second quarter of 2012. These operations were conducted to ensure that companies are properly licensed with the CPUC. The operations were conducted at the following locations:

1) John Wayne Airport (SNA), May 3: The CPUC, along with California Highway Patrol (CHP) and Motor Carrier Inspectors, conducted a surprise carrier inspection of mostly buses, hotel, and airport shuttle vans. The CHP inspected 36 vehicles and placed several vans out of service for drivers operating illegally. The CPUC issued six observation reports for various violations (operation while a permit application is still pending, no workers' compensation coverage, no public liability insurance on file, vehicles not listed with the CPUC, and sub-carrier not on file).
 
2) San Diego International Airport (SAN), May 16: The CPUC, CHP, San Diego County Regional Airport Authority Traffic Officers, and the Employment Development Department conducted a surprise carrier inspection of airport shuttle vans and limousines. Sixty-four shuttle vans and 40 limousines were pulled over for the inspection. The CPUC issued seven misdemeanor Warnings for various violations (operation with a suspended authority and no workers' compensation) and eight Notices to Correct Violations (vehicles not on file with the CPUC, dba not on file, and possible workers' compensation violations).

3) John Wayne Airport, June 13: The CPUC and the John Wayne Airport Authority conducted a surprise carrier inspection of airport shuttle vans and limousines. The airport officers issued 12 citations for various violations, including no CPUC permit, no workers' compensation coverage, no waybills, TCP driver not carrying his driver's license, and other non-traffic violations. The CPUC issued four misdemeanor Warnings for operating without a valid permit or not having workers' compensation coverage, and 13 Notices to Correct Violations (incomplete waybills that were written on business cards, vehicles not filed with the CPUC, TCP number not shown on front bumper, unreadable TCP on bumper, and possible workers' compensation violations).
 
4) Hollywood Strike Force, June 15: The CPUC, CHP, and Los Angeles Police Department (Hollywood Division) conducted a surprise carrier inspection of party buses and limousines during the evening hours in the Hollywood area. About 70 vehicles were observed operating in the vicinity, with 22 vehicles pulled over for inspection. Nineteen citations were issued for 36 violations (CPUC license status, no workers' compensation insurance, and Vehicle Code violations). Eight vehicles were placed out of service for Vehicle Code violations relating to safety. Six party buses were impounded for lack of CPUC operating authority and Vehicle Code violations.
 
5) Yosemite National Park, June 16-17: The CPUC, National Park Service, Department of Transportation, CHP, Modesto Police Department, and San Francisco Police Department conducted a two-day destination inspection of tour buses. About 65 buses were pulled over for the inspection. The CPUC issued two misdemeanor Warnings for operations after revocation of operating authority. Eight Notices to Correct Violations were issued (vehicles not filed with the CPUC and TCP number not on vehicle or in need of repair). The National Park Service cited 32 buses with a total of 73 violations noted for mechanical deficiencies and driver violations. Three drivers were placed out of service for driver's license and logbook violations. Four buses were placed out of service for serious mechanical deficiencies, including three with defective brakes and one with oil on the alternator, which could have caused an engine fire.

6) John Wayne Airport, June 21: The CPUC and CHP conducted a surprise carrier inspection of airport shuttle vans and limousines. The CHP put two vans out of service because the drivers did not hold the correct class of driver's license. The CPUC issued four misdemeanor Warnings for various violations (no permit or workers' compensation) and 10 Notices to Correct Violations (vehicles not filed with the CPUC, lack of license plate, possible workers' compensation violations, etc.).
 
7) San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA), June 22-23: The CPUC participated in a joint enforcement effort with SFMTA in a ride-along, inspecting limousines acting as taxicabs in San Francisco. Twenty-four limousines were pulled over for the inspection. The CPUC issued two misdemeanor warnings for various violations (operating without active authority and acting as a taxi). SFMTA issued three misdemeanor citations for operations as a taxi without a city taxicab permit.
 
8) Hollywood Strike Force, June 27: The CPUC and CHP conducted a surprise carrier inspection of tour and party buses and limousines during daytime hours in the Hollywood area. About 60 vehicles were observed with 21 vehicles being inspected. Fourteen citations were issued for various CPUC and Vehicle Code violations relating to safety. The CPUC issued six misdemeanor warnings for various violations (no workers' compensation insurance, failure to display TCP number, suspended operating authority). One bus was impounded for suspended CPUC authority.

9) Los Angeles World Airports (LAX), June 28: The CPUC, CHP, Los Angeles World Airport Police, and the LAX Ground Transportation Services Permit Office conducted a surprise carrier inspection of limousines, buses, and airport shuttles at three different locations at LAX. More than 275 commercial passenger vehicles were inspected. Twenty-six vehicles were placed out of service for Vehicle Code violations relating to safety, and 71 citations were issued for various CPUC and Vehicle Code violations. One vehicle was impounded for Vehicle Code violations. The CPUC issued 12 misdemeanor warnings for various violations (no workers' compensation insurance, failure to display TCP number, suspended CPUC operating authority; operating beyond the scope of authority).

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