Sec. 16. (a) The authority may provide public transportation service by operating public transportation facilities only if the board finds that no public or private transportation agency or corporation is willing or able to provide public transportation service.

     (b) The authority may enter into operating agreements with any private or public person to operate transportation facilities on behalf of the authority only after the board has made an affirmative effort to seek out and encourage private owners and operators to provide the needed public transportation service.

     (c) Whenever the authority provides any public transportation service by operating public transportation facilities, it shall establish the level and nature of fares or charges to be made for public transportation services, and the nature and standards of public transportation service to be provided within the jurisdiction of the authority.

     (d) If the fiscal body of any county receives notice that any public transportation system intends to cease providing public transportation service within the county, the fiscal body shall approve or disapprove the cessation of service at its first regular meeting after receiving the notice. Failure of the fiscal body to take any action within thirty (30) days is considered to be approval of the cessation of service. If the fiscal body adopts a resolution disapproving the cessation of service, and the authority is negotiating with the public transportation system for continuation of service within the county, the county shall join the negotiations and participate in any program that results in a continuation of public transportation service within its boundaries.

[Pre-Local Government Recodification Citations: 19-5-2.5-13; 19-5-2.5-26 part.]

As added by Acts 1981, P.L.309, SEC.76. Amended by P.L.235-1997, SEC.11.