(1) If the petitioner has had no prior evidentiary hearing under this part and in other cases where the petitioner's petition raises substantial questions of facts as to events in which the petitioner participated, the petitioner shall appear and testify.
(2) The superintendent of the institution that has custody of the petitioner shall arrange for transportation of the petitioner to and from the court upon proper orders issued by the judge. The sheriff of the county where the proceedings are pending shall have the authority to receive and transport the petitioner to and from the institution and the court, if the court so orders, or if for any reason the superintendent is unable to transport the petitioner.
(3) The sheriff shall be entitled to the same costs allowed for the transportation of prisoners as provided in criminal cases upon the presentation of the account certified by the judge and district attorney general.