N.Y. Transportation Law § 217: Powers and duties of the board

§ 217. Powers and duties of the board. The board shall have the

following powers and duties:

1. To investigate accidents occurring on or involving public

transportation facilities or systems whether publicly or privately owned

and report on the results of such investigations;

2. To establish within the board an accident reporting procedure and

file for the purpose of accurate analysis of public transportation

safety and to prepare an annual accident report for the governor and the

legislature;

3. To review, in connection with the investigation of accidents the

safety, maintenance and training programs of public transportation

facilities or systems whether publicly or privately owned and recommend

the establishment of equipment and safety standards in connection

therewith;

4. To adopt, promulgate, amend and rescind suitable rules and

regulations to carry out the provisions and purposes of this article or

to enforce any standards established hereunder;

5. To hold hearings, issue reports, administer oaths or affirmations,

examine any person under oath or affirmation and to issue subpoenas

requiring the attendance and giving of testimony of witnesses and

require the production of any books, papers, documentary or other

evidence. The powers provided in this subdivision may be delegated by

the board to any member of the board or department employee assigned to

the board. A subpoena issued under this subdivision shall be regulated

by the civil practice law and rules;

6. To take or cause to be taken affidavits or depositions within or

without the state;

7. To enter upon any property where a public transportation accident

has occurred, or where a vehicle, appurtenance or other item involved in

any such accident is located, to fulfill the requirements of article

nine-b of this chapter.

8. To render each year to the governor and to the legislature a

written report of its activities.

9. To enforce the requirements of section five thousand three hundred

twenty-nine of title forty-nine of the United States Code, as amended

from time to time, as it pertains to oversight of rail fixed guideway

public transportation systems.