Eligibility-Applicants

(1) Common Carrier. An applicant shall be a common carrier of passengers by motor vehicle possessing a certificate of public convenience and necessity, or its equivalent, issued pursuant to the provisions of M.G.L. c. 159A, § 7, M.G.L. c. 161A, § 3(i), or M.G.L. c. 161B, § 6(i). (2) Affiliated Companies. Affiliated companies shall be considered as "one applicant." (3) Massachusetts Based. Applicants shall have their centralfacilities and office headquarters located within the boundaries of the Commonwealth. In the case of affiliated companies based in more than one state, the centralfacilities and office headquarters shall be considered to be located in the state of the affiliate with the highest gross revenue. An application in a format approved by the Secretary and which includes the information listed below must be completed by all applicants: (a) number of vehicles requested (b) corporate identity and composition (c) current fleet and operations (d) proposed service (e) maintenance capability and plan (f) financial history and status (g) certifications as to corporate authority, financial capacity, Affirmative Action, route authority. The Secretary shall review the information in each application and make a determination of merit based on the application and consistent with the purposes of M.G.L. c. 161D §§ 1 through 6. The Secretary shall make awards based on the determination of merit made under 701 CMR 4.06 and in compliance with M.G.L. c. 161D, § 4.