Section 1329. Purposes of the authority

1. The purposes of the authority
  shall  be  the  continuance,  further  development  and  improvement  of
  transportation   and   other   services   related   thereto  within  the
  transportation district,  by  railroad,  omnibus,  marine  and  air,  in
  accordance with the provisions of this title.
    2.  It  is  hereby  found  and  declared that such purposes are in all
  respects for the benefit of the people of the state of New York and  the
  authority  shall  be  regarded  as  performing an essential governmental
  function in carrying out its  purposes  and  in  exercising  the  powers
  granted by this title.