Chludzinski Announces Passage of Bill to Ease Ambulance Service on New York State Thruway
Permits would be issued to exempt vehicles from tolls when in emergency operation.
(Albany, New York) Assemblyman Patrick Chludzinski (R, C, 143rd District) announced the passage of a bill he co-sponsored (A34) that would amend the public authorities law to make it easier for ambulances to travel toll free on the New York State Thruway when responding to an emergency.
“This legislation will require the thruway authority to issue emergency services permits to ambulances in the same manner they now do with fire vehicles,” said Chludzinski.“Once in effect, it will increase response times which in turn will improve service delivery and outcomes for residents all across the state,” he added.
Under current law, only fire vehicles can apply for and secure exempt permits that can be used to eliminate the need to pay tolls when using the thruway to respond to an emergency call.Other emergency services providers are required to apply for reimbursement of tolls after traveling on the thruway, but the process has become so complex and costly that many agencies decide it is not worth pursuing.Instead, they use routes that avoid the thruway while increasing response times, potentially putting people’s lives in danger.
“It is common sense to extend the same upfront exemptions to all lifesaving personnel and emergency vehicles, and I am glad that my Assembly colleagues saw the logic and benefits behind this bill,” said Chludzinski.“I am confident that the Senate will follow suit and optimistic that the Governor will sign this into law,” he concluded.