New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1906-05-17
THE BROOKLYN ELEVATED ROADS.

Several propositions designed to improve the
service on the Brooklyn elevated roads have
been under consideration by the State Railroad
Commissioners Much the most important are
those relating TO the construction of a third
tack or the Fifth avenue line for express trains
and to the dispatch of 4 few through trains
during rush hours from the Manhattan end of
the bridge These plans appear to have orig
mated with Mr.. Barnes, the electrical expert
of the commission, who also recommended that
connection be established between the stations
OF the Fulton street and Fifth avenue lines
! Wnere one track crosses the other. Furthermore
Mr.. Barnes advised that trains he run twice as
orteh as hitherto Fulton street between
and q p. III. An opportunity having been af-
forde'l TO the Brooklyn Rapid Transit Company
70 consider the suggestions before official action
was finally taken at Albany, objections were Of
fered 10 the first three which dlssuaded the
commission from approving them Immediately
Only the increase in the frequency of the Fulton
street service in the evening, therefore, has been
ordered
Among the reasons given for not laying Il
third track on the Fifth avenue line is that
Lhere are threats OF injunctiOns from owners of
property along the route. The company may
well hesitate to begin alterations which are
likely TO be interrupted. Litigation might pos
sl0ly delay for months or years, the completion
VI the Improvement. Such opposition, however,
VIII appear to most people unreasonable Inas-
much as the extra track would be laid between
the TWO now existing, it could not shut off light
from adjacent houses. It would cast a shadow
only on the trolley ears and teams In the middle
OF the street. From the cOmpany's own point
OF view also there would be possible cause for
reluctance to undertake the work It would
probably prove rather expensive, because a new
arrangement of stations would be necessary
These are now situated between the tracks and
not outside as in Fulton street Brooklyn and
in Manhattan. Still were the third track ever
built and put into operation it would prove a
great boon TO the patrons OF the Fifth avenue
line. So long as expresses and local trains are
obliged TO nse the same rails, the former can
make little better speed than the letter
As to the plan of starting trains from Park
Row during rush hours the company tells the
proposed changes at the New York terminal
of the bridge are completed" Precisely what
modification of existing facilities is here re-
ferred TO is not clear AS The Tribune has re-
Teatedly pointed out. the best solution Of the
dlfncu!ty is 70 connect the Brooklyn and Will
lalnsDufg bridges with an elevated loop Unless
costly property were purchased on one side or
I the other OF the station II would be impossible
/ TO bring trains around on a curve M the fer
/ minus proper. Any other arrangement II ia TO
( he feared. would be a pretty poor makeshift
Still. II the brooklyn Rapid Transit Company
sees ITS way clear TO make the attempt the pub
lie will be highly pleased
New stairways and platforms have recently
! been completed in the Park Row station. Those