N.Y. Railroad Law § 173-c

§ 173-c. Every city, town and village of this state shall have power,\nsubject to the provisions of sections one hundred and seventy-three-a to\none hundred and seventy-three-h, both inclusive, of this article, to\nenter into an agreement for the purchase of and to acquire by purchase\nall or any part of the property, plant and equipment of a street surface\nrailroad, actually used and useful for the convenience of the public,\noperating under any terminable permit as herein provided, and upon the\npurchase thereof to operate such street surface railroad or part\nthereof, or to contract with any person, firm or corporation for the\nequipment, maintenance and operation thereof.\n