Relates to travel by firefighters and ambulance workers

Title of bill

An act to amend the town law and the public authorities law, in relation to travel by firefighters and ambulance workers

Purpose or general idea of bill

The purpose of this bill is to provide emergency vehicles with free access to the Thruway.

Summary of specific provisions

Section one would designate the fire district treasurer with the responsibility of obtaining Thruway permits, or providing the documentation necessary to secure a refund.

Section two would direct the authority to either issue refunds for tolls incurred by ambulance or fire vehicles engaged in an emergency or establish a permit system for such vehicles. If an audit determines that such refunds or permits cause a significant loss of revenue to the authority, the authority is authorized to offer refunds or permits at a discount of the cash cost per mile.

Section three establishes the effective date.

Justification

In times of emergency, every second counts. In some areas of the State, the Thruway provides the fastest and most direct access to emergency scenes. This legislation is intended to provide ambulances and fire trucks with fast and free Thruway access, while at the same time preserving the regulatory flexibility of the Thruway Authority.

The Authority would be permitted to determine the method by which the free access could be provided, either by refund or by permit, and if an audit determines that free access is too costly, a remedy is provided.

Prior legislative history

2005/2006: A.1994A Passed Assembly 2003/2004: A.11202 Passed Assembly

Fiscal implications

None to the State.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on June 1, 2012; provided that effective immediately the amendment, addition and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the timely implementation of this act on its effective date is authorized and directed to be made on or before such effective date.