New-York tribune., 1902-03-13
THE BRIDGE TROLLEY CARS.

Commissioner LindenthaIs latest plan for
dealing with the crowd at the bridge entrance
is a curious mixture of good and bad. 1t is
much TO be hoped that it will be further consid-
cred by him before he permits it to go into et-
feet. His project for operating all trolley cars
on the bridge as shuttles opens up possibilities
of trouble which he probably does not fully
realize To compel all passengers to transfer
TO other at the Brooklyn end would practt-
caly double the Inconvenience and peril of en-
barkation. One daily experience of that kind
is enough-mOre than enough, indeed-for most
people Within the last few months the press
has vigorously condemned the practice of need
lessly driving passengers out OF one and into
another before they reach their destination.
The outrage is one which ought to he entirely
suppressed, and not multiplied n thOusandfold.
Still another formidable objection to the shuttle
plan is that it will probably surrender to the
Brooklyn Rapid Transit Company the use of the
Plaza, without aTy definite promise Of com
pensatlOn to the city. II has been suggested
that the lease may he so worded as TO he rev
ocable on short notice. But suppose that
Tammany comes back into power two years
hence. What chance IS there that the privilege
will be withdrawn? If the Rapid Transit COM
pany ever sets foot on the Plaza It will stay
therei
An increase in the number of loops at the
Manhattan end of the bridge is better
pedent, although its value will depend some
what on the way in which the idea is worked
out. BY providing six tracks instead of four Il
better distribution of the crowd which is wait
ing for the cars is effected. The more standing
room there is the less severe will he the jam.
The best results will not he secured, however
until means are found for separating the In
coming from the outgoing passengers. Perhaps
this object could be attained by combination
of warnings posted in the cars. careful instruc-
tions to motormen and conductors and the
operation of the police. The educational infu-
ence Of dozen arrests of persons trying 10
board the cars contrary to the rules might he
adequate. Still, an automatic mechanical sys-
tenn, employing raised platforms rallingS
other devices which found practicable and
adequate, would be better, especially in warm
weather, when open cars are in service. If Mr.
Lndenthal viii insure the developm mt Of the
loop system on that basis he will confer an i'm
mense benefit on his constituents. II Is not
enough merely TO supply additional tracks at
the bridge entrance. 1t is gratifying to observe
that the Rapid Transit company receives no
encouragement to believe that more loops will
enable ii to run more ears. The commissioner
perceives that the aim of all reform measures
should be to lessen the trouble of embarka;ion,
not to increase the traffic.
Mr. LndenthaPs scheme for taking popular
vote on the relative attractiyeness of the bridge
and ferry routes may he i5dvantageousy post
poned for the present. Ills premature to ask
for an expression until the travelling public is
fully acquainted with both sides of the Tues-
ton An object lesson in the convenience of
the ferry route should first be afforded That
lesson should be freely advertised too. Sup
pose, for instance, that the commissioner were
TO suggest to the Rapid Transit company the
use of a placard, reading about as follows. in
all cars running over the bridge:
Would you rather sit or stand while going
home during rush hours? If the latter, come
TO the bridge. If the former. go to the ferry.
Try it few times and see how it works.
Let Mr.. Iindenthal then bring a suitable
amount of pressure to bear on the railway
| company TO insure a fair trial of the plan for
a month. He would thus learn great deal
more than by taking a ballot. 1t is easier per-
haps to talk about pressure" than TO find a
satisfactory way to exert il. Nevertheless
there may he privileges which the Rapid Tran
sit company does not yet enjoy and which it
must get, If at all, from the Bridge Commits
sioner. II these are not conceded too readily a
powerful means OF persuasion will be retained.
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