(a) Every applicant for a certificate or transfer of a certificate shall file in the office of the commission an application therefor in the form required by the commission. The commission may, with or without a hearing, issue the certificate as requested, or refuse to issue it, or issue it for the partial exercise only of the privilege sought, and may attach to the exercise of the rights granted by the certificate terms and conditions that, in its judgment, are required in the public interest.
(b) (1) Before a certificate is issued or transferred, the commission shall require the applicant to establish reasonable fitness and financial responsibility to initiate and conduct, or continue to conduct, the proposed or existing transportation services. The commission shall not issue or transfer a certificate unless the applicant meets all of the following requirements:
(A) The applicant is financially and organizationally capable of conducting an operation that complies with the rules and regulations of the Department of the California Highway Patrol governing highway safety.
(B) The applicant is committed to observing the hours of service regulations of state and federal law, where applicable, for all persons, whether employees or subcarriers, operating vehicles in transportation for compensation under the certificate.
(C) The applicant has a preventive maintenance program in effect for its vehicles used in transportation for compensation that conforms to regulations of the Department of the California Highway Patrol, as described in Title 13 of the California Code of Regulations.
(D) The applicant participates in a program to regularly check the driving records of all persons, whether employees or subcarriers, operating vehicles used in transportation for compensation requiring a class B driver’s license under the certificate.
(E) The applicant has a safety education and training program in effect for all employees or subcarriers operating vehicles used in transportation for compensation.
(F) The applicant agrees to maintain its vehicles used in transportation for compensation in safe operating condition and in compliance with applicable laws and regulations relative to motor vehicle safety.
(G) The applicant has filed with the commission a certificate of workers’ compensation insurance coverage or statement required by Section 460.7.
(H) The applicant has provided the commission an address of an office or terminal where documents supporting the factual matters specified in the showings required by this subdivision may be inspected by the commission and the Department of the California Highway Patrol.
(2) With respect to subparagraphs (B) and (F) of paragraph (1), the commission may base its findings on a certification by the commission that an applicant has filed with it a sworn declaration of ability to comply and intent to comply.
(c) In addition to the requirements of subdivision (b), a passenger stage corporation shall meet all other state and federal regulations, where applicable, as prescribed.
(d) The commission may delegate to its executive director or his or her designee, the authority to issue or transfer certificates of public convenience and necessity and to make all necessary findings specified in subdivision (b).
(Amended by Stats. 2006, Ch. 694, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 2007.)