(a) Applications for certificates shall be made in writing to the Arkansas Department of Transportation, shall be verified under oath, and shall be in such form and contain such information and be accompanied by proof of service upon such interested parties as the department shall by rule require.
(b)
(1) Upon the filing of an application for a certificate, the department shall give due notice thereof to such persons and by such means as the department may by rule determine.
(2) Any interested person may file with the department a protest or memorandum of opposition to or in support of the issuance of a certificate.
(c) A public hearing shall be held on the application if the applicant or any person having a substantial interest in the proceeding shall so request within such time as the department shall by rule provide.