(a) It is the intent of the Legislature that, in allocating the funds available pursuant to Section 99313, the transportation planning agencies and county transportation commissions, and the San Diego Metropolitan Transit Development Board give priority consideration to offsetting reductions in federal operating assistance and the unanticipated increase in the cost of fuel, to enhancing existing public transportation services, and to meeting high-priority regional, countywide, or areawide public transportation needs.
(b) Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit, or limit the ability of, a public transit operator to do the following:
(1) Contract with common carriers of persons operating under a franchise or license.
(2) Employ part-time drivers.
(Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 86, Sec. 17. (AB 1113) Effective July 21, 2017.)