Legislative findings and declarations

2. The Legislature hereby finds and declares that: a. The provision of efficient, coordinated, safe and responsive public transportation is an essential public purpose which promotes mobility, serves the needs of the transit dependent, fosters commerce, conserves limited energy resources, protects the environment and promotes sound land use and the revitalization of our urban centers. b. As a matter of public policy, it is the responsibility of the State to establish and provide for the operation and improvement of a coherent public transportation system in the most efficient and effective manner. c. In the development of public transportation policy and planning, participation by county and municipal governments, transit riders and concerned citizens should be encouraged. d. In the provision of public transportation services, it is desirable to encourage to the maximum extent feasible the participation of private enterprise and to avoid destructive competition. e. In furtherance of these findings and declarations, a public corporation shall be created with the necessary powers to accomplish the purposes and goals set forth in this section, including the power to acquire and operate public transportation assets.