New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-06-23
HPIDGE FARES.

The use Of the Brooklyn Bridge tracks for the
elevated railroad trains has confronted 'he
Bridge officials with serious question rs 10 the
rights of individuals who do not desire 10 go
long distances on the surface or elevated lines
in Brooklyn. There appears 10 b" disposition
70 regard the resident of the Heights AS poor
sort Of person whose interests nobody is hound
n nrotect Arrangements are difficult to make
for the accommodation Of the long and snort
haul passengers nj different rates OF rare an"
there Is some disposition manifested To say mat
Tho norson who wants merely to cross the
Rrdqe Is no moro entitled 10 a fare below that
Maid nv him who wants 10 60 to East Newly YORK
than ls q man who wants 10 ride only between
two CONTIGUOUS stations on the elevated rail
road instead Of going rs far as the train Will
carry him. entitled 10 his short ride for three
cents
Thot Is n comfortable contention for the rail
road companies who are assuming The business
formerly done by the Bridge officials. II they
can not only make their roads more attractive 10
their natural patrons by running over the
Bridge. but can also compel the people WHO
never have occasion to use their cars to pay
Them two or two and onehalf cents more Tor
riding across the Bridge than they ever palh
the cities. they will be- making good stroke Tor
viii. !, ihcir STOCKHOLDERS will he duly thankin.
Rri he public will look AT the matter from
Cnrenf point Of view. The Brooklyn hrihee
WIS built for their accommodation. great
sum Of money WAS devoted To that end with the
EXPRESS view Of giving them ~ nearly as posi-
hle free passage Charging two and one hali ana
tbrnc cents tho cities were able 10 run trains
with financial success The railroads wanted
10 use the structure for their own pror' ana
have been allowed to do So. and now the cry
has almost no income with which to pay IN
terost on the cost u the Bridge True. N" ran
roads give better facilities and cheaper trans
portation from a distance 10 Manhattan thhh
could he obtained before. But they did not 30
II out OF regard for the public. but to increase
their income They are not warranted IN plead
ing the benefit they do some people rs n reason
for depriving others ~ rights In public WORK
which they have hitherto enjoyed.
pcrhaps the elevated railroads will not insist
on any such condition but il Is well In adVanc"
to face the possibilities talked Of u is FOR th"ir
interest 10 abolish the shuttle trains entirely.
both TO encourage short haul passengers 10 ria"
even n small distance on their lines and buy
fve-cent tickets and also 10 give free rang" 10
their trains Indeed. II IS Il grave question u
shuttle trains are possible with the elevated 'ra'
nc in full swing However that may be- II ID"
privileges granted 10 the railroad companies
make the abolition of the shuttle trains d"Slrahe
the duty Of the Bridge commissioner Is 10 see
thar no citizen loses by the alteration The poo
ME have n moral vested right 10 rid" over me
Bridge for tire, cents which does mol laps"
with the turning owe: Of that struciur" 10 the
predominant use of private corporations