All divisions and sections within the department, in cooperation with the Department of Transportation, shall identify those areas of the state where the general transportation needs of the elderly and persons with disabilities are not and cannot be adequately served by bus service and community service centers furnishing transportation. In further cooperation with the Department of Transportation, the department shall identify alternatives for meeting the transportation needs of these persons and shall report to the committees specified in subsection (c) of Code Section 49-2-12 as required therein. Such alternative means to be considered for providing for the transportation needs of these persons should include, but shall not be limited to:

(1) Contract service resulting from competitive bidding by private sector bus operators operating under Article 1 of Chapter 7 of Title 46;

(2) Contract service resulting from competitive bidding by taxi operators;

(3) Negotiated fee basis with municipal and area-wide transportation systems serving the general public; or

(4) Any combination of above.