(a)    (1)    The Commission may require a public service company to continue any service that the public service company renders to the public under any franchise, right, or permit, after any applicable expiration date.

(2)    Unless authorized by the Commission, a public service company may not discontinue or abandon a service under a franchise, right, or permit.

(3)    The Commission may authorize a public service company to discontinue or abandon a service under a franchise, right, or permit if the Commission finds that the present or future public convenience and necessity allows the discontinuance or abandonment.

(4)    Denial of authorization to discontinue or abandon a service under a franchise, right, or permit does not preclude subsequent reapplication.

(b)    (1)    Whenever the Commission authorizes the abandonment or discontinuance of a franchise, right, or permit, as a whole or in part, that involves any service to or from a suburban community, the Commission:

(i)    shall consider all applications to acquire the franchise, right, or permit to render the service; and

(ii)    shall grant the application to the best qualified applicant.

(2)    An abandoned or discontinued right that extends between mid-city and suburban termini shall continue to extend between the mid-city and suburban termini if the abandoned or discontinued right:

(i)    as acquired by the abandoning or discontinuing public service company or its predecessor, extended from mid-city to suburban termini; or

(ii)    was operated between the mid-city and suburban termini during most of its existence or for an aggregate of at least 15 years.