All this is absolutely true. Years and years ago I was standing outside of Montefiore hospital in the north Bronx. I saw swarms of what were essentially minivans circling and circling the city blocks that made up the hospital.
I asked a doctor who worked there what they were and he said “Ambulettes”. They are essentially mini-vans dressed up to look like ambulances and they circle the hospital for the fares (taxpayer paid) that would be $15 cab rides but instead are $100-$200 “ambulette” rides.
This has been going on for a VERY long time.
FYI - as a former Ambullette and Ambulance driver, an abmbulette is used to transport patients to and from clinics, especially patients in wheelchairs.
They aren’t dressed up to look like ambulances, they are ambulettes and are licensed and say “Ambulette” on them.