In the discharge of its duties, the committee shall evaluate the performance of the Georgia Rail Passenger Authority in providing rail passenger service consistent with the following criteria:

(1) Public safety;

(2) Prudent, legal, and accountable expenditure of public funds;

(3) Responsiveness to the needs for rail passenger services;

(4) Economic vitality of the rail passenger system and economic benefits to the state;

(5) Efficient operation; and

(6) Impact on the environment.