All applications for mass transportation operating assistance made to the Commissioner of Transportation shall be in such form as prescribed by the Commissioner. Such applications must be completed and filed between the 2nd and 17th day of the first month of each quarter in which a transportation system elects to participate in the statewide mass transportation operating assistance program. The quarters are coincident with the state fiscal year, as follows: April through June, July through September, October through December, and January through March.