Section 57-3-210 - Contracting with private operators of public transit systems; coordination of funding and resources; annual progress report of department; reporting requirements for entities using public funds for public transportation purposes; exemptions(A) The department is authorized to utilize public transit funds to contract directly with private operators of public transit systems to provide service to the general public, provided that the private operators have established a plan of service that has been approved by the local governmental entity that has jurisdiction over the area to be served, the department, the commission, and the federal government.(B)(1) The department shall plan and develop mechanisms for increasing coordination of funding streams and resources for public transportation at both the state and local levels to improve access and delivery of transportation services, especially in rural areas. The department shall work with each agency that provides funding for transportation and assure input in the process from major local providers of transportation services to the public, including current providers of coordinated public service.(2) The department shall prepare and submit a progress report to the General Assembly on or before January fifteenth each year. The progress report required by this section may be combined with the Department of Transportation Annual Report required pursuant to Section 57-3-760 and the Office of Public Transit Report required by Section 57-3-40.(C)(1) Any agency, local government, or other entity, including nonprofit organizations, using state funds or state-administered federal funds to transport members of the general public on a regular basis must:(a) provide input and information concerning its operations upon request by the Office of Public Transit for planning purposes. The input and information must be provided in a timely manner and in a format specified by the office; and(b) demonstrate progress toward the development of or participation in a public transportation coordination plan.(2) No transportation funds may be provided to any entity not in compliance with the requirements of this subsection.(3) The Department of Corrections, the Department of Education, school districts, and institutions of higher education are exempt from the requirements of this subsection.Added by 2010 S.C. Acts, Act No. 206 (SB 749), s 7, eff. 6/7/2010.