(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 posted at least fifteen days prior to such public hearing. The department shall 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 to finance. A public hearing on the proposed fare change shall be held at such time and place as will be convenient for public attendance.