As used in this act:

    (a) "Bureau" means the bureau of passenger transportation in the department.

    (b) "Commuter trail" means a trail, lane, path, road, or other right of way on which motorized vehicles are not permitted and which has the primary or substantial purpose and result of providing a means for people to move from 1 location to another.

    (c) "Department" means the state transportation department, the principal department of state government created under section 350 of the executive organization act of 1965, 1965 PA 380, MCL 16.450.

    (d) "Federal acts" means the regional rail reorganization act of 1973, 45 USC 701 to 797m; the railroad revitalization and regulatory reform act of 1976, Public Law 94-210; the local rail service assistance act of 1978, section 5, Public Law 89-670; the staggers rail act of 1980, Public Law 96-448; and the northeast rail service act of 1981, subtitle E title XI, Public Law 97-35.

    (e) "Recreational trail" means a trail, lane, path, road, or other right of way that because of its scenic, wild, or topographical nature, has as its primary purpose recreational use of the trail itself.

    (f) "Street railway" means that term as defined under the nonprofit street railway act, 1867 PA 35, MCL 472.1 to 472.31.