N.Y. Public Authorities Law § 378-a: Emergency service permits

§ 378-a. Emergency service permits. 1. The authority is hereby

authorized and directed to issue refunds for tolls incurred by

ambulances or fire vehicles engaged in an emergency operation, or, at

the option of the authority, to issue emergency services permits for use

by ambulances and fire vehicles which shall provide for travel at no

charge between interchanges and barriers while such vehicles are engaged

in an emergency operation. For purposes of this section, the term

"ambulance" shall have the same meaning as such term is defined by

section one hundred-b of the vehicle and traffic law, the term "fire

vehicle" shall have the same meaning as such term is defined by section

one hundred fifteen-a of the vehicle and traffic law, and the term

"emergency operation" shall have the same meaning as such term is

defined by section one hundred fourteen-b of the vehicle and traffic

law. In any rules and regulations promulgated for the implementation of

this section, the authority may establish the type of documentation or

other proof satisfactory to the authority that an ambulance or fire

vehicle was engaged in an emergency operation at the time a toll was

incurred.

2. If, upon the completion of an audit conducted by a certified public

accountant selected by the authority, the authority can demonstrate that

the issuance of refunds or permits as authorized in subdivision one of

this section causes a significant loss of revenue to the authority, the

authority is authorized, pursuant to a resolution of the board, to offer

such refunds or permits at a discount of the cash cost per mile;

provided, however, that, prior to such board resolution, the authority

shall hold at least two public hearings, at a time and location which

will, to the extent practicable, maximize the participation of the

general public.