Section 1264. Purposes of the authority

1. The purposes of the authority
  shall  be  the  continuance,  further  development  and  improvement  of
  commuter  transportation  and  other services related thereto within the
  metropolitan commuter transportation district, including but not limited
  to  such  transportation  by  railroad,  omnibus,  marine  and  air,  in
  accordance  with  the  provisions of this title. It shall be the further
  purpose of the authority, consistent with its status as the  ex  officio
  board  of  both  the  New York city transit authority and the triborough
  bridge and tunnel authority, to develop and  implement  a  unified  mass
  transportation policy for such district.
    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.