1. A permanent permit to operate as a contract carrier of passengers may be issued by the commissioner to an applicant with or without a hearing, but upon notice to all interested parties, authorizing such applicant to provide transportation as a contract carrier of passengers. Applications for a permanent permit shall be accompanied by a filing fee as prescribed in section one hundred forty-four of this chapter. The application for a permanent permit shall be granted if the commissioner finds that:

1. (a) the applicant is fit, willing and able to provide the transportation to be authorized by the permit and to comply with this chapter and the regulations of the commissioner; and
2. (b) the proposed service is or will be consistent with the public interest and the policy declared in section one hundred thirty-seven of this chapter.