(a) An authority confirmed before July 1, 1985, and in which the principal municipality has a population of less than 1.3 million may, through the operation of a program, charge no fares.
(b) A program under this section:
(1) must have clearly defined goals adopted by the authority;
(2) expires annually, unless renewed; and
(3) may be renewed only after the program’s costs and benefits are evaluated.