SACRAMENTO - The California Air Resources Board (ARB) announced today that it had reached settlement agreements totaling $73,500 with several California transit agencies for their violations of regulations that cap the fleet-total emissions of nitrogen oxides.

"These settlements underscore the need for further improvement in emission controls for all buses," said ARB Executive Officer Catherine Witherspoon. "While we urge Californians to use public transit, we must ensure that the buses they board are as clean as possible."

Six public transit agencies have paid penalties totaling $71,000 to settle violations of California's fleet rule for transit agencies. These rules require agencies to reduce their fleets' average ozone precursors and particulate matter over time, and to regularly report on their progress. For their failure to comply with these the following list describes the agency and the amount each has paid:

· Alameda-Contra Costa Transit, $60,000

· the City of Commerce, $4,000

· City of Chico, $3,500

· City of Los Angeles Department of Transportation, $2,500

· City of Folsom, $2,500

· San Luis Obispo's South County Area Transit, $1,000

The settlement monies will be deposited in the state's Air Pollution Control Fund (APCF). The APCF is used to mitigate various sources of pollution through education and the advancement and use of cleaner technology.