As used in this Article, unless the context otherwise requires:
(1) Authority. - A metropolitan public transportation authority as defined by subdivision (3) of this section.
(2) Board of trustees. - The governing board of the authority, in which the general legislative powers of the authority are vested.
(3) Metropolitan public transportation authority. - A body corporate and politic organized in accordance with the provisions of this Article for the purposes, with the powers and subject to the restrictions hereinafter set forth.
(4) Population. - The number of persons residing in respective areas as defined and enumerated in the most recent decennial federal census.
(5) Public transportation system. - Defined in G.S. 105-506.1.
(6) Unit of local government. - Any county, city, town, or municipality of this State, and any other political subdivision, public corporation, authority, or district in this State, which is or may be authorized by law to acquire, establish, construct, enlarge, improve, maintain, own, and operate public transportation systems.
(7) Unit of local government's chief administrative official. - The county manager, city manager, town manager, or other person by whatever title, in whom the responsibility for the unit of local government's administrative duties is vested. (2025-39, s. 5.1.)