§ 173-a. The term "terminable permit" as used in this article shall
mean and embrace every grant from a city, town or village of power,
right or privilege to occupy or use any of the streets, roads, highways,
avenues, parks or public places of such city, town or village for the
construction and operation of a street surface railroad, until such time
as the city, town or village shall exercise its right to purchase the
property, plant and equipment of such street surface railroad in
accordance with the provisions of sections one hundred and
seventy-three-a to one hundred and seventy-three-h, both inclusive, of
this article, or until it shall be otherwise terminated according to
law.