Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-12-07
WANT BETTER SCHEDULE
PATRONS OF B. AND o. ROAD
MAKE APPEAL.
Complain of Delays at Union Sta
tion-Progress in Work
of Construction.

of Construction.
Commuters living on the line of the
Metropolitan branch of the Baltimore and
Ohio railroad between this city and Boyds
have decided to form an association, the
object being to secure. If possible, a more
convenient railway schedule than that
now in operation. The present schedule,
many of the commuters say, would not
be so bad if the trains were sent out from
the Union station on time, but they are
usually late. they say, the delay frequent
ly being caused by the fast trains run
ming behind. George H. Snyder Of Ken
sington was designated by the commuters
to start the movement, and he recently
distributed to the passengers between
the points mentioned slip giving notice
Of the intention to form an association.
Many responses were received, and
committee has been appointed to wait
upon the railroad officials next week for
the purpose of presenting the request:
]. F. Trazzare of Gaithersburg will head
the committee, the other members being
Mr.. Munson of Garrett Park, George
Lamar of Rockville, Mr.. Pollock Of CATH
ersburg and Edward Moore of Kensing
ton. 1t is the belief of the commuters
Union station at o'clock in the after
noon, instead of at 4:45. and that other
changes should be made SO that COM
muters who ride should not be subjected
to long delays.
Views Of Commuter.
In conversation with a Star reporter
one of the commuters said he thought
the patrons Of the local trains had every
reason to complain of the manner in
which the trains had been run from the
Union station. They seldom leave on
time. he stated. and some Of them. espe-
cially the Hagerstown train. has been as
much as one hour late pulling out. He
also said the company has not made much
Of a success in the matter of providing
for the comfort of the people in the sta
ton. When the trains are delayed. he
said, the patrons Of the road have to
stand on the cold pavement along the
concourse. being afraid to leave for the
reason that trains are sometimes sent
out from the station without being an.
nounced. Upon several occasions, he
stated. patrons have been left at the sta
ton on that account
Another reason for complaint. he stated.
was that the trains are not always ready
long enough ahead Of the schedule time
without the unpleasant delays and with
out the crowding at the gate. At the
old station he stated, commuters were
permitted to enter the train shed with
out being compelled to pass through the
gates where the congestion was likely to
occur but at the Union station there is
no such arrangement for their benefit.
It is stated by railroad officials that
there has been an Improvement in the
train service since the new station was
to note the Improvement Yesterday.
however, the trains were made up and
the gates opened several minutes before
tho schedule time. and there was no de-
lay in getting them started
Hurrying Construction Work.
Work in and about the Union station is
being rapidly pushed forward. 1t is stated
that an expenditure of about $13, 600
has already been made upon the work of
making the improvements, and that prob
ably 100000 more will be needed in the
completion of the work. 1t was unfor-
tunate, the officials say. that the new sta
ton had to be occupied before it was An
isied. but they are making the best of it,
and will do what they can for the con-
venience of the public and the best inter
ests Of the patrons of the several lines
entering and departing from the station.
The surfacing of Della aware avenue from
the plaza to G. street has greatly i'm
proved conditions, but the macadam will
wet weather
On the vacant space about the plaza. it
is stated. there Is enough material to use
| in paving Delaware ayenue--material that
has already been used--and, 1T Is said, 1t
| is likely to be covered with dirt when the
contractors reach there to complete the
| work Of filling. This material, said one
Of the workmen at the station yesterday,
could have been put down at a cost no
greater than that incurred by the Com
missioners in matchmaking the thorough
fare, and 1t would have been of greater
| benefit to the public 1t will probably
be some time. he said. before Delaware
avenue Is paved with new material, and
| the secondhand material would have an
Swered every purpose.
New Outfit Needed.
Contractors McDermitt, McMullen &
Hoffman,, who are to complete the work
of filling about the Union station and
| along the proposed boulevard to New
Jersey avenue and c street, have a big
| force Of laborers engaged upon the work.
In order to prosecute the work the con-
| tractors found 1t necessary to get a COM
plete new outfit of engines. cars and
| other Implements The dirt Is being
brought from the railroad yards near
| Rhode Island avenue.
| Much unfavorable comment is being
INDUCED in about the failure of the Bal,
timore and Ohio Railroad Company to get
rid of the old station building at New
| Jersey avenue and c street. About the
| time the company moved from there tc
| the Union station it was stated the build
/ ing would be torn down within fifteen
| days. and that the work OF filling and
| improving the property would be com
| nenced without delay. but only the ex-
press rooms and other smaller struc-
| lures have been removed.
| 1t is stated that the delay in -emoy-
ing the old structure is the result of the
| rejection of bids The railroad officials
It is stated solicited bids and then failed
| to make an award to the highest bidder
/ Men who are experienced in the matter
| of tearing down old structures to get
the material for building purposes say
/ the cost of getting the material from
the old station will be much greater than
| that incurred in taking down more mod
| ern structures. and that is the reason
none of the bidders is willing to pay a
big price for the building.
| HouRAho 1d EYnAnRAa