(a) A district may:
(1) lease all or part of the commuter rail facilities to any operator; or
(2) contract for the use or operation of all or part of the commuter rail facilities by any operator.
(b) To the maximum extent practicable, the district shall encourage the participation of private enterprise in the operation of commuter rail facilities.
(c) The term of an operating contract under this section may not exceed 20 years.