2. The commission shall establish annually a “zone of rate freedom” which will provide for a maximum permitted percentage adjustment to any rate, fare or charge for regular route autobus service. The commission shall promulgate this percentage within 60 days after the effective date of this act for the time remaining in the 1984 calendar year, and shall thereafter promulgate a percentage for each calendar year 60 days prior to the commencement of the calendar year. The commission shall consider all relevant factors, including but not limited to the availability of alternative modes of transportation, increases or decreases of the costs of bus operations, the interests of the consumers or users of bus services, and the rates, fares and charges prevailing in the bus industry, as well as in other related transportation services, such as rail services, in establishing the “zone of rate freedom” for each period.

L.1983,c.517,s.2; amended 2003, c.13, s.98.