The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1906-12-28
THE TRANSFER SYSTEM.

1t is not surprising to find that the people of
this community, who have been vexed, rritated and
annoyed by the inequitable transfer system es-
tabished by the old management of the street rail
ways, should appeal TO the new management to
make changes that will make the system more
reasonable and liberal
No citizen of Providence forgets the long
struggle the part of the public that finally re-
suited in wringng from the unwilling traction COM
pany management even a narrow and restricted
ticket transfer system. Indeed it seemed to be the
purpose of those who devised the system now in
Use TO hedge it about with many needless and
annoying limitations as possible, as a sort of re-
prisal for the manifestation of public sentiment
that forced the issuing of transfers by manage
ment notorouSy hostile and arbitrary
When IT became certain the New York
New Haven and Hartford Railroad company would
secure control OF the street railways here the News
Democrat pointed out that one of the advantages
likely TO follow the change in ownership and man
agement would be such a rearraugement OF the
transfer system would make il satisfactory 10
the public and would remove the unwarranted and
unjust restrictions at present imposed.
/ hat prediction has been verified, for Mr. +.
G. Buckland, who is the representative of the New
Haven company in charge Of the local traction
lines, in reply to requests for liberal
Ter arrangement says the policy of the company is
10 be liberal possible in the matter of trans
fers.
He adds that whatever changes can be made
without reducing earnings probably will be made
and that it is the purpose of the management to
carefully study the whole transfer question The
result of that study will be laid before the people
at as early day practicable
i his is cheering information. 1t gives an as
surance that the transfer question is to be con-
sdered and settled on the basis of Justice to the
public as well as to those whose money is invested
in the street railway properties. Nor can there be
the slightest doubt that when the management
has completed its survey of the transfer situation
will discover many utterly useless restrictions that
can be removed without in any way affecting adj
ycrsely the revenues of the company while their
removal will give to the public much more liberal
and satisfactory transfer system
Many OF these annoying limitations could be
cited but one will suffice TO illustrate the beral
spirit that prompted the old street railway manage
ment when it established the existing narrow and
inadequate system.
A citizen coming toward the center of the city
on Broad street car and desiring to go to the
Elmwood district is not allowed transfer at
Trinity square, where the two routes converge but
in order TO reach his destination must pay second
fare. A citizen living in the Emwood district and
desiring to go To some point along Broad street is
similarly treated and is compelled to pay two fares
The injustice of the denial of transfers in such
cases is too obvious TO call for emphasis yet there
are many others equally annoying and unfair
which will reveal themselves to the new manage
nent when it takes up the study OF the transfer
problem
The people of Providence make no unreason-
able demands in this matter All they ask is that
for single fare they be permitted to ride from any
point within the city limits to any other point with
in those limits reached by the electric cars
That the enlightened and progressive manage
1nent under which the local street railways have
recently passed will establish transfer system
that will comply with this general wish the people
of Providence feel fully assured.
THE CASE OF THE CONGO.