New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-07-17
TO PROBE B. R L. GAINS.
FIRST MOVE OF BOARD.
Fire-Cent Fare to Coney Island, If
Profitable, VII Be Ordered.

". r. Wilcox. chairman OF the Public Service
Commission for this district. confirmed the state
ment that the commission would investigate the
rate 10 COney Island, as told exclusively IN The
Tribune yesterday and If it was found to be-
"exorbirant UNJUST would order the Brooklyn
Rapid Transit Company 10 give a fve-cent fare.
That Is matter that comes directly under the
Jurisdiction of this commission said he. and it
will be taken up and given careful! study
promptly possible
Mr.. Wilcox declined TO say whether. in his Opin-
ion the present fare of 10 cents was exorbitant
1T would be improper for me to give my per-
sonal views or 70 say anything about my attitude
until the commission officially decides on its ac-
ton.' he said
When the commission is able TO take up the
Coney Island fare matter it will begin ITS work by
calling on the Brooklyn Rapid Transit Company To
furnish IL with information relating its finances.
The first point 10 be determined viii be the proht
the company now makes the Decent fare. II
II IS round that the company can give hve-cent
fare and still make reasonable profit. there IS
no doubt that the Public Service Commission. act
ing uhder the authority conferred on II under
Section ~ OF the public service act will order II TO
put in effect hve-cent rate
point that has been under discussion is whether
the commission would order eight-cent fare TO
the island if IL found that this would be
equitable che II was suggested that the commits
sion might direct the Brooklyn Rapid Transit COM
pany to sell tickets 70 Coney Island from the two
terminals OF the Brooklyn Bridge and at few
other stated points for that rate. The consensus
OF opinion seems 10 be- however. that a thorough
investigation would show fve-ceat fare 10 be an
equitable one
The commissioners are overloaded with BUSH
ness now that it is questionable whether they
reach the consideration of this question for
time. but as they are unanimously impressed with
the Importance OF settling this matter they will
take IL I'D 1T the earliest opportunity
The commissioners held executive session YES
terday, beginning in the morning and extending
O'Clock in the afternoon They dispensed with
the public session The commission took up the
consideration Of three vital rapid transit questions
the Brooklyn Bridge crush the removal of the
tracks Of the New York Central in Eleventh ave-
nue. and the proposed Fourth avenue subway. The
three committees appointed these matters
ported that they Were making satisfactory prog
resS.
Commissioner Bassett. chairman OF the bridge
crush committee is driving the work with zeal
His unceasing study OF this problem. while -
seems 10 uphold the high hopes that Brookynites
place In him. Is telling hts physical condition.
congestion and will not relax his efforts until
something has been accomplished.
Mr.. Wilcox said regarding the appointment OF
counsel: We still considering that question
and discuss 1t each day. and I think the appoint
ment VIII be made before the end OF the week
The board has thus far arranged Cor three public
hearings. follows: July 1s. 2 .. m on tho
removal OF the Central tracks from Eleventh
nue.; July 3. at p the Brooklyn Bridge
crush, and July 30 At II a.. m. the form OF
contract for the Fourth avenue subway Brooklyn.
These hearings will be held No $50 Broadway.
except possibly the the bridge crush, which
may be held IN more spacious quarters