Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1896-06-03
EAR OR FAR SIDE
The Old Question Of Street Oar Reglla-
tionA
Mr.. Dunlop Wants the Present
Method Changed-views OF
Other Railroads.

Shall the police regulations requiring
street cars to stop on the near side Of the
street be changed 30 as to allow oars to
stop on the far side?" Such q proposition
is now before the Commissioners. 1t was
brought to their attention by President
Dunlop of the Capital Traction Company,
who set forth that a great many complaints
had been made by the travelling public
since the new order went into effect. He
said:
Persons approaching the cars from any
OF the side streets cannot see the cars when
stopping or standing back of the building
line, which they are required to do under
the regulations; nor can the gripman or
conductor see such person, hence the car
starts and leaves the passenger to take the
next car, to his discomfort and great in
dignation. Then the cars are delayed con-
stantly by passing vehicles in front Of
them, preventing them from starting up
Most of the cities which changed from the
Tar to the near side of the crossing have
changed back again. because of the same
ulIllcultles which We have met with. l ask
In the interest of safe rapid transit and the
convenience and comfort of the public that
you make the change and return to stop
ping on the far side of the street"
PRESIDENT Dunlop inclosed list of the
patrons or the company who have petitioned
LOT the far-side rule. Upon motion of Com
missioner Truesiell the Commissioners re-
terred the matter to the police lieutenants
10Y their report The report was made
through the major of police. and stated.
nave inquired of all the lieutenants, and
tney. Wthout single exception state that
they have heard of no complaint against
1t has proved beneficial"
commissioner Truesdell, upon the recent
oi tne report. moved that letters be sent To
an 'ns street railroad companies, request
fhA
whetner me regulation referred to has. in
thelr Judgment, been beneficial or otherwise
The Other Roads.
The following responses have been re-
ceived:
Gentlemen: In reply to yours of the 18th
IN winch you ask If the regulation reauir-
Ing street cars to stop on the near side NJ
crossings has been beneficial would saw
that in judgment of the company the near
slue OF street crossings, in as it Ia less
dangerous to the public and patrons of
street cars. VI
Respectfully, RI RAKER
President Columbia Railway Comnsnv
Dear Sir: am In recent of vour f.yor
Oh the 10th of May in regard to the reeula-
tich recurring street cars to stop on the
near side OF street crossings. Beg to state
-, ,na. we regard same as more advantageous
10 the company than stopping on the far
sac or the street or here and there upon
the road. f
Respectfully yours
CHAS. P WILLIAMS
General Manager, Brightwood r r co
Srs: Answering your note of the 18th in
slant l beg to state that, discussing the
matter with our superintendent Mr. II. r.
furhy, who has more closely observed the
operation of the cars Cnder the recent reg
u.ation than L myself have done Mr. Purdv
states that he cannot find any appreciabl,.
dllerence between the new and old methods
OF stcpp ng the cars. The matter is com
rarat1Vely of less Importance on a line
sCch as the Georgetown and Tenleytown
winch mas not great many busy CROSSINGS
70 make, than would be the case on a line
IKE the Metro politan or Capital Traction.
My personal experience as passenger on
III es is that in good weather there is little
q nerence felt by the passenger, but in
cad weather the stopping on the near side
Is objectionable. especially with service of
Two or three cars running In trains. There
Is PROBABLY, however, a greater element of
safety in stopping on the near side than
stopping on the far side. Yours truly,
o. T. CROSBY,
President Georgetown and Tenleytown
Railway Company.