New-York tribune., 1902-02-09
JAM LAID TO THE PEOPLE.
CRAZE FOR SAVING A PENNY OR TWO
LARGELY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE
BRIDGE CRUSH

Since the Brooklyn Rapid Transit Company
and the Union Ferry Company have decided that
they will not adopt Bridge Commissioner Lin
denthals suggestion for diverting part of the
traffic from the Brooklyn Bridge at the rush
hours, in spite Of the appeal made by the
Chamber Of Commerce. the Brooklyn people
themselves may be appealed to by officials who
want 10 stop the terrific crush at the bridge
Mr LindenthaI has declared that the people are
mainly responsible for the trouble. Too many
Of them willing TO face the danger of broken
limbs by crossing the bridge at the rush hours.
when they might better go by way Of the ferries.
he says. and apparently because they want 10
save two cents day In travel
II is admitted that the crush at the bridge Is
cue 10 the diversion of traffic from the ferries fol-
lowing the admission of the trolley cars to the
bridge. AS it became possible for pas
sengers TO get cars at the Manhattan end of
the bridge and ride direct 10 their homes in
Brooklyn for a single fare. thousands abandoned
the more direct line of travel by way of the
ferries and Joined in the rush at the bridge
terminal. Thousands who formerly went TO
homes in Williamsburg by way of the Grand
st. ferry now take a roundabout way by the
bridge and trolley lines. They could get home
quicker by the ferries and avoid being crushed
but they make the trip for five cents by way
Of the bridge. when IT would cost seven cents
by way OF the ferries.
What many people will do to save cent in
travel is astonishing sometimes. At the begin
ming of the rush hours some OF the ferries drop
the price of ferriage from two cents TO one
cent. Just before the time for the change of
rate there crowds waiting outside the ferry
houses. Thousands of people VIII walt five min
utes more out in the cold TO save the extra
cent. Many Will go into liquor stores near the
ferries and spend nickels and dimes for drinks
while they waiting TO save the cent. Some
Of them, when asked how they can explain such
a system of economy, say they would rather
spend dime for pleasure than an extra cent in
travel.
Since my plan has been rejected by the COM
panies" Commissioner LindenthaI said yester-
day, Il have nothing more to propose. / have
no power TO compel the companies TO divert
traffic to the ferries by a single fare transfer
system. / believe much Of the traffic the
bridge could be diverted If the proper induce
ments were offered. a better system Of through
TO the ferries would be one inducement
II you go over the Wall-st. ferry at the rush
hour you are put on a car that is crowded
That runs up the hill little way and then YOU
are told to transfer TO another car already
crowded The railroad company says II runs
through cars to the ferry. but 1 have a large
complain mat they cannot get through cars.
! guess the truth is that the railroad runs a few
through cars. 1t might easily more through
cars and encourage travel by the ferry.
The railroad is getting the right OF way
over the bridge too cheap The city gets about
$500 day from the railroad company or about
Sl5OOOO year. When the city ran it's own
cars II used 70 make S7J0,000 a year. Il is true
that We charged five cents for two tickets
thereby making X cost q BroOklynite about ~
cents TO get home, but there were other con-
sderations which evened up matters. We give
the bridge forty policemen now. We would not
have TO do this II the Rapid Transit crush were
not so great Each policeman receives 81 200;
the city gives the Rapid Transit free protection
al cost 10 the city Of about $4,000. II the
city did not own the bridge would this be e-done?
No, the railroad would furnish its own pro
lection"
II has been suggested that part of the crush
al the bridge might be prevented If more peo-
pie would try 10 avoid crossing the bridge at
the rush hours. There are many thousands of
people. OF course. VINO get through with their
work In Manhattan about the time the rush
period begins, and are in hurry to get to their
MONIES IN brooklyn, but there are thousands
VINO could avoid the rush hours on the bridge
oy crossing ii earlier than D. m. There are
many women, particularly who do shopping in
Manhattan and start back to Brooklyn with
their arms full Of bundles when the crush is at
Its height Ttl-g- might better go home earlier
or go by way of the ferries. The lines Of travel
iroTn the shopping district In Manhattan to most
parts or Brooklyn direct by way OF
the ferries than bT the bridge.