Section 2. Street railway companies shall be subject to this chapter and chapter one hundred and fifty-nine. Companies which have been specially chartered shall continue to exercise and enjoy the powers and privileges granted and be subject to all the liabilities imposed by their respective charters, except as modified and controlled by amendments thereof, or by this chapter or chapter one hundred and fifty-nine. All street railway companies whether organized under general or special laws shall be subject to any other general laws applicable thereto.