Provides a toll exemption for certain ambulance services

6 Co-sponsors

• John J. Bonacic
• David Carlucci
• William J. Larkin Jr.
• George D. Maziarz
• Michael H. Ranzenhofer
• Catharine Young

BILL NUMBER:S2372A

Title of bill

An act to amend the public authorities law, in relation to exemption of emergency service vehicles from thruway tolls

Purpose

The purpose of the legislation is to exempt both commercial and voluntary ambulance services from paying tolls on the New York State Thruway.

Summary of provisions

Section one: amends section 378-a of the public authorities law to authorize refunds for tolls on the New York State Thruway to a commercial ambulance service or a voluntary ambulance service, extending refunds to both emergency operations and the return route from such service.

Section two: provides the effective date.

Justification

In many parts of the state, the New York State Thruway is the fastest and most direct route for ambulances to travel, not only to emergencies but also to local health care facilities. Ambulance services are struggling with increased costs, the declining economy, and inadequate Medicaid reimbursement. To require ambulance services to pay for Thruway tolls only exacerbates this problem, and often results in the patient being forced to pay for the added costs.

Section 378-a of the public authorities law directs the New York State Thruway to provide refunds for tolls to ambulance and fire vehicles in an emergency operation. This bill would extend refunds for the return routes of ambulance services and fire vehicles and expands ambulance services to include voluntary ambulance services.

Legislative history

S.4469 of 2009-10

Fiscal implications

To be determined.

Effective date

This act shall take effect June 1, 2012.