14176. (a) A public or private entity may submit to the department a program proposal and an application for a grant to fund the development and initial operation of a proposed program.(b) To be eligible for funding, a proposed program shall meet all of the following criteria:(1) Serve regular users of mass transit or high-occupancy vehicle commute modes.(2) Provide transportation at no cost or at a nominal cost not to exceed the amount normally spent for home-to-work transportation by such means as a taxi, rental car, fleet car, or escort service, to the user’s home or other agreed upon location.(3) Agree to report to the department, not later than one year after receipt of a grant, regarding the effectiveness of the program, as indicated by:(A) The number of participants using the guaranteed return trip program.(B) Whether the program has increased the number of commuters using alternatives to single-occupancy vehicle commuting.(4) Develop written policies specifying eligibility and procedures for use of the guaranteed return trip option.(Added by Stats. 1990, Ch. 1653, Sec. 2.)