(a) Activities funded by the trust fund shall be selected through a competitive process pursuant to rules adopted by the department with input from the advisory committee. In establishing criteria for the awarding of funds, the department shall address the transportation needs of the disabled, the elderly, and rural populations, consistent with the input of the advisory committee and the statewide public transportation needs assessment, and work toward the following goals:
(1) Increase safe and affordable public transportation options across the State of Alabama.
(2) Maintain and repair the existing fleet of public transportation options across Alabama, while acquiring new vehicles, as needed.
(3) Serve individuals and families living near urban fixed route public transportation systems, expand such routes, and improve service along the routes.
(4) Serve individuals and families living in rural Alabama and connect them to the goods and services that improve their quality of life and bolster their economic well-being.
(b) All transportation systems funded under this article must comply with the design standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act.