Provides a toll exemption for voluntary ambulance services

BILL NUMBER:S6836

Title of bill

An act in relation to exempting voluntary ambulance services from the payment of tolls

Purpose

To exempt volunteer ambulances from thruway tolls.

Summary of provisions

Section 1. The payment of tolls on any highway, bridge, tunnel or other toll road within this state shall not apply to voluntary ambulance service operating pursuant to a valid voluntary ambulance service statement of registration issued under section 3004 of the public health law.

Section 2. Effective Date

Justification

This bill would exempt vehicles of a volunteer ambulance corps, service or rescue squad from toll fees on the New York State Thruway, provided that the service has a valid statement of registration issued under section three thousand four of the Public Health Law. Volunteer ambulance corps render services to many areas of this state which do not have municipal ambulances. The members contribute their time without compensation. The funds raise by these organizations are used to buy vehicles, rescue equipment, gasoline and medical supplies necessary to their operation. The ambulance services operate in relay teams, and often transport an injured person over a considerable distance. Tolls are paid from their general operating funds, and if this exemption were granted, the money can be used to improve their equipment and services to the public.

Prior legislative history

2005-06 (A.535 / S369)

Fiscal implications

Minor loss of revenue to the Thruway Authority

Effective date

Immediately.