The division has the power to:

(a) Assist in the development of improved public transportation facilities, services, equipment, techniques and methods, with the cooperation of transportation carriers, both public and private;

(b) Enhance the mobility of all residents of the state, particularly those who by age, income or physical limitation experience serious transportation disadvantages;

(c) Manage publicly funded transportation resources in a cost effective manner and endeavor to achieve an increased ridership with available resources;

(d) Establish a system to adequately coordinate and distribute publicly funded transportation services within the state, including, but not limited to, transportation services for senior citizens, for participants in head start programs, for disabled citizens and for private nonprofit organizations and to establish a pilot project or projects as an initial part of implementing a system of coordination and distribution;

(e) Maintain a cooperative working relationship with public and private transportation providers, private nonprofit organizations, local planning and development councils, other state agencies and the federal government;

(f) Coordinate and assist various public and private transportation entities in strengthening their development and operation of public transportation facilities and services;

(g) Coordinate with other states and the federal government the planning, construction, operation and maintenance of public transportation facilities in the state having an interstate impact;

(h) Acquire, plan, hold, construct, improve, maintain and operate, own or lease, either in the capacity of lessor or lessee, all facilities necessary or incidental thereto for the operation of public transportation systems in the state;

(i) Apply for and receive from the federal government or from any other person, corporation, association or other entity, any grants in aid or gifts to be used for public transportation related purposes;

(j) Provide financial assistance to local transportation agencies to the extent authorized by the Legislature and federal grants: Provided, That no county or local government may reduce the level of funding for transportation services in place upon the effective date of this section and be eligible to receive financial assistance pursuant to this section;

(k) Enter into contracts with other agencies of the state, other public bodies, private firms or individuals to provide technical services or public transportation related services;

(l) Exercise or perform any power, duty, responsibility or function in carrying out public transportation related activities which are essential to the completion of the projects;

(m) Insure local matching funds with state or local money, or both, for federal assistance projects; and

(n) Implement rules necessary to accomplish its assigned duties.