New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1902-04-27
BRIDGE TERMINAL FACILITIES.

Mayor Low perceiyes sufficiently close re-
latIon between the interests intrusted TO the
Rapid Transit Commission and the congestion
at the bridge entrance TO warrant his asking
that body 10 consider plans for relief. Accord
ingy. at Its next meeting. the commission VIII
take up the various measures which have thus
far been suggested, and possibly Ii may deem a
public hearing eKpedient. At any rate, the
adoption of a definite municipal policy on this
important question, and the prompt initiation
Of steps for its execution, may be hoped for In
the near future. If fresh legislation is required
it's nature should be determined with such de-
liberation as will preclude mistakes, while il
the cooperation OF the State Railway Commits
sion is found TO be necessary this will undoubt-
edly be invoked. Still, until such help is dis
tinctly invited, perhaps II would be proper
concession from the authorities at Albany TO
local pride to leave the matter TO Mr.. Orr and
his associates. The metropolis would like to
manage this business alone If ii can. Mr.. Low
evinces some doubt as TO the extent of the
Rapid Transit Commissions powers, TO be sure.
Yet even If It should act only in an advisory
capacity TO the Mayor and the Bridge Commits
sioner its opinions are likely to prove exceed
ingly valuable
1t will simplify the problem greatly TO recog-
now carrying many passengers is wise;
perhaps too many for prudence. Engineers are
pretty we'll agreed in holding that the limit Of
safety has already been reached, and that any
increase Of traffic would. in the present condi-
ton of the structure, result In disabling II. 1t
follows. therefore that the tax should he re-
duced by diversion of travel to other routes.
With an improved service on the surface and
elevated roads leading to at least half a dozen
ferries the Brooklyn Rapid Transit Company
could itself greatly reduce the crush at the
bridge. The city authorities can still further
promote the same end by Fastening the COM
pletion of the new bridge and the construction
of the downtown tunnel.
An even more obvious consequence of the
present condition OF the old bridge is that any
marked improvement In terminal facilities
there would be useless and wasteful IF its
carrying capacity cannot be enlarged why fur
nish better means of exit end entrance? 1t
would be the height Of extravaganza and folly
to spend several million dollars for n scheme
that would not convey any more people from
Brooklyn TO Manhattan. To put the same
money or half of it. into a new bridge or
tunnel would be vastly more serviceable in
vestment
The Tribune has always been sceptical con-
connect the Manhattan ends of the three
bridges Each bridge will minister TO its own
constituency this side of the East River and
when they all in operation the walk In
either direction TO the destination of the pas
sengers will he a short one. So far as the pub
lie is concerned. there is no demand for the
proposed connection. IT, however. the Brook
lyn Rapid Transit Company wants TO run it's
trains back by different route from that which
they take in coming over. ii should build the
intervening links in the system at its own ex-
pense precisely as II would build its own loops
nj the bridge terminal On the condition that it
will pay handsomely for the franchise and sub
NIT TO other suitable requirements IT might be
well TO grant TO that corporation. or another al
lied thereto. the coveted privilege But the city
should not provide this track at the expense of
the taxpayers.
The Third-ave. elevated railway should be