(1)  In this regulation,

regional area means an area of the State that is wholly or partly outside a metropolitan area.

(2)  Where core passenger services in a particular regional area are being provided by one or more transport operators, that operator, or those operators, may, at any time before the end of the transitional period –

(a) prepare a service plan designed to meet the essential service needs of the community in that regional area more efficiently and effectively; and

(b) submit that plan to the Minister.

(3)  The Commission may assist a transport operator, or a group of transport operators, with the preparation of a service plan.

(4)  The Minister may endorse a service plan for the purposes of this Part if the Minister is satisfied that the plan  –

(a) meets the essential service needs of the community in the regional area covered by the plan; and

(b) ensures a satisfactory standard of service; and

(c) ensures effective and efficient service delivery; and

(d) meets any relevant budgetary constraints.

(5)  The Minister, as soon as practicable after considering a service plan, must notify the relevant transport operator or transport operators whether or not the plan has been endorsed for the purposes of this Part.

(6)  If a service plan is not endorsed, the relevant transport operator or transport operators may submit a revised plan.