Fare changes for mass transportation. Major service changes to commuter rail service

(a) The Department of Transportation shall provide for changes in fares for mass transportation by land in accordance with the provisions of this section and shall not be required to conform to the procedures in chapter 54. (b) Prior to adopting any change in fares for mass transportation by land, the department shall (1) give notice of the proposed fare change, its amount and the date it is proposed to take effect by advertising, at least once, in one or more newspapers having general circulation in all areas of the state that may be affected by such change in fares, and (2) in such notice, provide information on the time and place a public hearing is to be held on such proposed change. Such notice shall be provided at least fifteen days prior to such public hearing. The department shall, at least fifteen days prior to such public hearing, send a copy of such notice to the chairpersons and ranking members of the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to transportation and finance and to the Connecticut Public Transportation Council, established under section 13b-212b. A public hearing on the proposed fare change shall be held at such time and place as will be convenient for public attendance. (c) When the department is required to hold a public hearing regarding a proposed major service change to commuter rail service in accordance with the Federal Transit Administration Title VI Circular 4702.1B, as amended from time to time, the department shall, at least fifteen days prior to such public hearing, provide notice of such public hearing to the chairpersons and ranking members of the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to transportation and finance and to the Connecticut Public Transportation Council.