New-York tribune., 1903-02-28
COMPETITION IN LOCAL TRAFFIC.

Controller Grouts proposal of an independent
rapid transit line from the Battery to 1onkers
instead of a branch of the present subway sys-
tenn has some elements of popular attractive
ness. 1t appeals TO the widespread hatred OF
monopoly. The people, as the result of some
experience with railroads operating under old
time franchises, have come to believe that
good public seyiee is 10 be obtained only
through competition. In some instances con
solidation of competing lines has undoubtedly
been taken advantage of by railway managers
TO reduce service. but on the other hand il is
doubtful if our streetcar traffic conditions would
be materially improved if they were controlled
by several companies The lines which might
compete now for the most part have as much
traffic as they can carry, and there would be
little incentive TO rivalry in providing more
comfort for passengers when there was not
single extra fare to be earned. Possibly rivalry
might accomplisl little something under pres
ent conditions though the extended transfer
system under consolidation has been advan-
tageous and rivalry between elevated and sur
face lines has brought little Improvement but
certainly under adequate public control. able
to dictate the character Of the service, nothing
would be gained from series Of separate lines
1t is this question of public control 10 which
attention should be given. The city has not
beer able TO enforce needed Improvements upon
the old lines. 1t should have full power TO do
so upon the new When il can plan extensions
and compel company 10 execute them or enter
into suitable traffic arrangements with anybody
who does when il can regulate the number of
trains and force the building Of ali switches or
stations required by traffic, then the advantage
is all on the side of consolidated control. Unfit
cation of the whole transit system is the ideal
ie TO
every bit of track TO the utmost TO divert
through traffic away from lines of local conges-
ton Such a monopoly under suitable munici-
nal control possesses practically all the adYan-
1ages of municipal operation. which is the
dream of q large body Of theorists, and ut the
same time avoids many of Its dangers pri-
vate corporation can manage q business more
economically than the city; it can keep its en-
Eloyes under better discipline; IL can be held
responsible 10 the city for the performance OF
It's duty while the city as operator, being
its own master. would most of the time be as
irresponsible fer good traffic as for good police
management. Instead of having q body even
of Tammsny officials TO supervise traffic in the
interest Of the pubic, we should, for the correc-
tIon OF abuses. have 70 wait for conditions 10
get so bad that slow moving electorate would
arise and oVerturn the city administration.
Instead Of seeking relief from inadequate
transit facilities in a lot of small roads, let US
Ieok TO the perfection Of one complete system
under one intelligent management and then
make that management responsive to public a'i-
thorify. There is no harm in monopoly when 1t
is properly controlled. Some services are nat
ural monopolies and the larger their system the
better the public is served. In granting new
corporate privileges it is proper 10 take fun ad-