(1) The Department of Transportation, in a manner determined by the Oregon Transportation Commission, may enter into operating agreements with any person. The agreements may include, but are not limited to, provisions with respect to:
(a) Services to be rendered;
(b) Routes to be served;
(c) Schedules to be provided;
(d) Compensation to be paid;
(e) Equipment to be used;
(f) Points to be served;
(g) Terminals to be used;
(h) Qualifications of operating employees;
(i) Accounting and reporting procedures; and
(j) Termination dates.
(2) To the extent practicable the department shall enter into operating agreements with carriers authorized by the department to perform passenger transportation services pursuant to ORS 824.020 to 824.042 or ORS chapter 825.