§ 7-1004. Consultation with Department of Aging

   (a) In general. -- The Administration shall consult with the Department of Aging when considering the eligibility of a Program applicant for a grant under § 7-1003 of this subtitle.

(b) Considerations. -- When awarding a grant under § 7-1003 of this subtitle, the Administration shall consider:

   (1) The ability of the Program applicant to provide door-to-door transportation to low-income to moderate-income seniors;

   (2) The projected volume of ridership;

   (3) The Program applicant's marketing and outreach plan to attract riders and drivers;

   (4) The ability of the Program applicant to sustain door-to-door transportation for low-income to moderate-income seniors beyond the time when grants may be available;

   (5) The ability of the Program applicant to coordinate its dispatcher system with a local central dispatcher system; and

   (6) The extent to which the Program applicant encourages:

      (i) Shared ridership;

      (ii) Coordination between public and private sector transportation providers; and

      (iii) Innovations in risk management for drivers and riders.

(c) Regulations. -- In consultation with the Department of Aging, the Maryland Insurance Administration, and senior citizen advocacy groups, the Administration shall adopt regulations to implement this subtitle, including regulations governing:

   (1) Criminal background and driving record checks of drivers;

   (2) Driver and vehicle safety;

   (3) Driver training; and

   (4) The liability coverage of a Program applicant that provides door-to-door transportation under the Program.

HISTORY: 2004, chs. 112, 113.