The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1892-06-12
TO REGULATE HACK FARES.
The City Council to Take Hold Of the
Matter at Once.

The City Council to Take Hold Of the
Matter at Once.
The article in Yesterdays MORNING NEWS
upon the extortionate charges by hack
drivers, praotioed upon strangers and visit
ors to the CITY. attracted considerable at
tention, and brought TO mind many in-
stances similar to those complained Of. The
general opinion was that the matter should
be regulated by the city IL there were not
already any ordinance upon the subject
Section 1888 of MacDonelrs Code, however,
specifies the rates for public vehicles.
The existence Of such a section was un-
known even to the aldermen who were
seen in regard to the matter. 1t is as fol-
lows:
1888. RATES FOR PASSENGERS AND BAGGA GE.-
The rates of fare for the conveyance Of any
passenger and his or her baggage from any
point in said city to any other point in the same
by any cab, hack, carriage. omnibus or other
vehicle shall be rs cents and no more.
Provided always, that where the
baggage of any passenger shall exceed 100
pounds in weight an extra charge of not
more than 25 cents for each additional piece
shall be allowed and may be received for con-
veyiny such excess baggage; and provided also
that only one-hslf of said rates shall be allowed
for carrying children under IL years of age
ANY driver, conductor or owner OF any such
cab, hack, carriage. omnibus or other vehicle
ton shall, on conviction before the rolce court
be fined in sum not exceeding $50 for every
such offense
The ordinance was passed in 1868 and as
will be seen is too general in its terms to
apply now. Besides, most persons would
object to paying rs cents for ride from
one point to another within the city. Talks
with parties whose attention was called to
the subject brought out number OF sug-
gestlons. 1t is generally asserted
that the council should pass
an ordinance which would meet
present requirements. 1t is suggested that
the ordinance should fix minimum rate OF
70 cents to all points within a certain limit,
say north of Liberty street or for certain
distance, half mile or ten blocks, then
maximum rate Of so cents for carrying par
ties from any point within the city to any
other point within the same, This would
not include baggage, of course, and would
not allow Of stopping or calling at various
PAGES along the route, being
simply the charge for direct transit. Then
a rate per hour could be fixed, which would
cover the use of hack or public vehicle
continuously for any length OF time. About
81 per hour, or not over 81 so per hour,
would, it is thought, be sufficient. =,
1t has also been suggested that each hack
De numbered and that it be required TO
carry copy or the section Of the ordinance
fixing rates for public vehicles
framed in the vehicles, 30 that pas
sengers would have no difficulty In
knowing what were the legal rates and no
dispute could arise a out the charges. Such
frame would occupy very small space.
ms Is the law in all large cities
All of the aldermen approached upon the
subject heartily concurred in the views ex-
pressed by the MORNING NEWS. Alderman
myers said that he had contemplated such
action, but for some reason or other
mad allowed the matter to pass
without action. He thought action
should be taken at once on account OF the
number Of visitors who annually visit the
city, and who are most likely to suffer
under the present system and thereby form
an uufavorable opinion of the city. Alder
man Myers favored a comprehensive ordl-
% nance which would cover the ground thor
oughly with regard to all public vehicles,
ana would fix just and equitable rates for
thelr use and accommodation. He said
sne subject will verv probably come
uh at the next meeting of coun-
Gil. He favored the appointment OF
q committee which should give hearing to
lne stablemen and hackmen and Other
parties interested before framing an ordi-
nance to be submitted to council.
\, Alderman Carson agreed with Alderman
..uIyers. he thought the question was one
snat should be considered at once, if council
Aas authority, which ne believed it had. He