Railroads: contract crew transportation vehicles.

The Passenger Charter-party Carriers' Act, with certain exceptions, requires a charter-party carrier of passengers that engages in transportation services subject to regulation by the Public Utilities Commission to obtain a specified certificate or permit, as appropriate, from the commission, subject to various requirements. A violation of the act is a crime. This bill would define the term "contract crew transportation vehicle" as a motor vehicle primarily used by third parties under contract with a railroad corporation to transport railroad crews, as specified. The bill would prohibit the operation of a contract crew transportation vehicle without a valid permit, as determined by the commission. The bill would specify insurance requirements for operating a contract crew transportation vehicle. The bill would exempt carpools and motor vehicles operated by railroad employees from the bill's provisions. Because a violation of these provisions, as part of the act, would be a crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.